Developmental Care Specialist (Part-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health

About the role

We are seeking a Developmental Care Specialist to provide direct care within our residential behavioral health program serving adolescent boys (ages 12–17). Many of the boys in our VanderArk A Program have never experienced consistent safety or stability. As a Developmental Care Specialist, you will show up daily as a stable, caring adult — helping youth build resilience, practice emotional regulation, and envision a future beyond trauma.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with therapists and case managers
• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment grounded in the Sanctuary Model® (safety, emotional intelligence, open communication, and social learning)
• Build consistent, mentoring relationships using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches
• Utilize verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support behavioral regulation
• Model and teach healthy communication, problem-solving, and daily living skills
• Support youth in developing life skills, self-worth, and positive identity formation
• Engage in structured recreational and skill-building activities
• Administer medications as assigned and support physical wellness routines
• Document and maintain accurate records in alignment with behavioral health standards
• Transport residents to appointments, school, court, or community activities as needed

Requirements

• At least 20 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and safely perform physical interventions when necessary

Qualifications

• Alignment with Wedgwood’s Statement of Faith, vision and values
• Preferred Education: Applied Behavioral Analysis, Social Work (BSW in progress or completed), Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Child Development, Criminal Justice (youth focus), Addiction Studies, Behavioral Health or related field
• Preferred Experience: Residential treatment (adolescents or adults), ABA Therapy (in home or center based), Behavioral health or mental health settings, Juvenile justice or youth-serving programs, Crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments, Rehabilitation or recovery centers/shelters, Group homes, inpatient, or community mental health

Skills

• Passionate about behavioral health
• Trauma-informed residential care
• ABA
• Youth advocacy
• Therapeutic mentorship

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance discount through Nationwide
• Legal Insurance
• Direct deposit
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

Pay

$20.50 - $22.50/hour

Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays

Schedule

3 out of 4 weekends a month (Saturday & Sunday) rotating between 1st/2nd shift with opportunities to pick up shifts

• 1st shift: 7am–3pm
• 2nd shift: 3pm–11pm