Youth Development Specialist - Part-Time

About Us

Northwest Passage focuses on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements combine traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've provided high-quality care in a community dedicated to hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire. We serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

Northwest Passage builds its team with candidates dedicated to exceptional care and support, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. We foster hope through our involvement in the healing process, guided by the PassageWay Elements.

Position Description

The Youth Development Specialist provides services to children and adolescents as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Responsibilities include creating and maintaining a structured and safe living environment, developing and executing programming initiatives, providing close supervision, meeting residents' basic and emotional needs, documenting activities, and advocating for appropriate goals and needs.

• Create and maintain a structured and safe living environment for youth as they participate in assessment/treatment.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute programming initiatives.
• Provide a nurturing environment with close, intensive supervision for high-risk youth in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
• Assure residents’ basic needs are met including meals, exercise, hygiene, and sleep.
• Assure residents’ emotional needs are met in accordance with the individual treatment or assessment plan.
• Recognize and adjust communication to meet residents’ needs.
• Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
• Work with residents to provide solutions for problematic behaviors.
• Document program activities, residents’ behaviors and program participation, and significant incidents involving residents.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Understand and follow agency policies.
• Maintain an understanding of mental health concepts, psychotropic medications, and client symptomology.
• Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a social or behavioral science field (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology, education), or equivalent courses and/or relevant experience working with youth who have significant mental health needs.
• Proven experience working with youth who have significant mental health needs.
• Demonstrated reliability, with an ability to follow through on commitments and expectations.
• Strong self-regulation skills to remain calm in stressful situations, and effective self-care strategies to support personal well-being and resiliency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with others from diverse backgrounds.
• Enthusiasm for learning and growth, and ability to receive feedback and learn from mistakes.
• Proven ability to adapt to change.
• Commitment to serving others and making a difference in the lives of youth.

Values

• Quality & Adaptability
• Respect & Compassion
• Leadership & Courage
• Connection & Well-being