Youth Specialist

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Regular Full-Time Westland, MI, US

21 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $17.00 To $18.50 Hourly

Are you someone who believes every young person—no matter their challenges—deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to thrive? Do you want your work to matter in a real and lasting way?

At Spectrum, we’re searching for a committed, compassionate Youth Specialist to join our Youth Residential Program in the Detroit area. This is a hands‑on, heart‑centered role where you’ll guide, mentor, and support teenage boys, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your impact begins each afternoon as you provide stability, encouragement, and a consistent presence during the most important hours of their day.

For many of the youth we serve, you may be the first person to believe in their potential. You’ll model respect, help them build life skills, create a sense of safety, and show them that their voices and futures truly matter.

If you are ready to serve with purpose, compassion, and resilience, this is where you are meant to be.

For 50 years, Spectrum has stood on one simple truth:
Every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to grow.

More than 1,450 children, teens, and adults across Michigan rely on Spectrum programs each day for support with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, medical fragility, or experiences of abuse or neglect.

We walk beside them—steadily, respectfully, and with unwavering belief in their worth.

As a Youth Specialist, you will:

• Provide daily care, coaching, supervision, and emotional support
• Build trusting relationships with residents
• Help create routines that nurture safety, independence, and confidence
• Serve as a positive role model who leads with patience and understanding
• Support youth with diverse needs in a structured, therapeutic environment

Weekend availability required

We care for our staff the way we care for our youth—with dignity, respect, and support.

• Blue Care Network Medical & Rx
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental & Vision
• 403(b) with employer match
• $25,000 Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Training

• High School Diploma or GED
• Reliable transportation
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License with acceptable driving record
• Successful MDHHS and State Police clearances
• Physical exam within one year of hire and a negative TB test