Youth Development Specialist (Youth Counselor)

Job Description

About Us

At Northwest Passage, we focus on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements are central to our approach, combining traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've been dedicated to providing high-quality care in a community dedicated in hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for our clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire.

Northwest Passage proudly serves individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we are committed to providing an environment where all feel welcomed and supported. Northwest Passage looks to build our team with candidates who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all of our clients, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. At Northwest Passage, you will foster hope through your involvement in the healing process. Guided by the PassageWay Elements, we strive to create a positive environment for growth and wellness for both our clients and staff.

Position Description

The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for providing services to children and adolescents as determined with the interdisciplinary treatment team. The position provides quality youth care and close intensive supervision of clients in a residential treatment setting. This includes a range of residential services, tracking and reporting on residents' treatment progress, and serving as a positive role model for behavior. The Youth Development Specialist position represents one of the central relationships for clients in the constellation of therapeutic activities and life at Northwest Passage.

Hours are Monday-Friday 2:15-10:15 pm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

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

Must be able to work Monday-Friday, 2:15 pm-10:15 pm

Values

In addition to responsibilities and qualifications, ideal candidates will show an understanding of and an ongoing dedication to actively applying Northwest Passage's values, which are embedded into each role:

Quality & Adaptability

Respect & Compassion

Leadership & Courage

Connection & Well-being

Benefits

$21.00-$28.00/hour wage

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

Northwest Passage us a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for student loan forgiveness

Tuition Assistance/Loan Reimbursement (available through an application and approval process)

Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming

Northwest Passage is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Full-time