Youth Development Specialist (Youth Counselor)

About Us

Northwest Passage focuses on mental health and wellness through the adoption of its 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, the organization has provided high‑quality care in a community dedicated to hope, recovery, and wellness. Facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire. Northwest Passage serves individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and is committed to an inclusive environment where all feel welcomed and supported. The team seeks candidates who demonstrate resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, fostering hope through involvement in the healing process.

Position Description

The Youth Development Specialist provides services to children and adolescents as determined with the interdisciplinary treatment team. The role delivers quality youth care and intensive supervision in a residential treatment setting, tracking and reporting on residents’ treatment progress and serving as a positive role model. This position is central to the therapeutic activities and daily life at Northwest Passage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 coursework 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.
• Must be able to work Monday‑Friday, 2:15 pm‑10:15 pm.

Values

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

Pay

$21.00‑$28.00 per hour wage

Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 2:15 pm‑10:15 pm

Benefits

• Health Insurance (no deductible)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings with Discretionary Employer Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employer‑Paid Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Employer‑Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Health Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health benefit)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs)
• Longevity Benefit
• Relocation Assistance
• Off‑Site Housing ($500/month rent), dependent on availability
• Qualification for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Unmatched real‑world experience in mental health, experiential programming, and nature‑based programming