Lead Youth Support Specialist, Independent Living Plus

Position Details

Lead Youth Specialist – Grand Rapids, MI

Lead with Purpose. Empower Youth. Transform Lives.

 

Do you have a passion for helping youth succeed? Join Samaritas Nation as a Lead Youth Specialist and take on a rewarding leadership role supporting adolescents as they transition from foster care to independent living in our Staff Supported Housing program.

What You’ll Do:

• Coordinate schedules and training for Independent Living Plus Youth Specialists.
• Provide coverage for shifts when needed and maintain awareness of house operations.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for youth, guiding them in daily living skills and fostering independence.
• Collaborate with program managers on performance management and corrective actions.
• Participate in treatment planning and ensure safety and well-being in the home.

What We’re Looking For:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s in social services preferred.
• Experience in a group home, residential setting, or supervisory role strongly preferred.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish (or language of youth in care) preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed care in high-stress settings.

Schedule: DaysPay: $20/hrLocation: Grand Rapids, MI

 

Why Samaritas?We’re a Michigan-based human services organization rooted in compassion and transformation. When you join us, you join a mission-driven team committed to creating ripples of positive change in the lives of those we serve.

 

APPLY TODAY and #BeTheRock that empowers youth and builds brighter futures!

 

 

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Coordinates scheduling and training for Independent Living Plus Youth Specialists (ILP Youth Specialists) and provides shift coverage as needed. Provides assistance and guidance to youth transitioning between foster care and independent living in Staff Supported Housing (Independent Living Plus program).

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Create and Maintain schedules of ILP Youth Specialists in Staff Supported Housing

Provide coverage for 2nd or 3rd shifts as needed when there are position vacancies and coverage cannot be coordinated with existing staff

Maintain adequate awareness of house operations, house needs, and any staffing issues

Collaborates and consults with Program Manager/Foster Care Supervisor to administer corrective actions, disciplinary steps and performance management

Trains new ILP Youth Specialists on job tasks and responsibilities

May provide direct supervision to ILP Youth Specialists

Serve as a role model to youth in residence by modeling responsible behaviors, as required

Provide guidance in daily living skills, including household chores to youth

Monitor activities of youth to ensure their safety and well-being. Report non-compliance with house rules to the Case Manager

Maintain communication with youth to ensure adjustment to program expectations

Participate in “house meetings” to review house rules, plan activities or discuss other needs of house/group

Participate in treatment planning meeting with each youth as needed or requested

Communicate implementation of each youth’s Independent Living Plan with Independent Living Coach, Case Manager and other appropriate parties

Maintain adequate awareness of youth’s activities to ensure the safety of the youth, other residents, staff and the home are maintained

Report safety hazards and needed repairs within home and grounds to designated Case Manager or Supervisor. Contact Landlord for urgent needs

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Job Qualifications

 

Education, Training, and Licensure/Certification

 

• A High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associates Degree or Bachelor's degree in social services preferred.
• Professional training in social work, social services or child development preferred.

 

Experience

 

• Experience working in a group home or residential setting preferred.
• Experience in supervisory role or child welfare setting preferred.
• Experience working with youth preferred.