Part-Time Weekend Youth Development Specialist

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 provides direct care, supervision, and support to youth in a residential treatment setting. This role represents one of the central relationships for youth in the constellation of therapeutic activities at Northwest Passage. The Youth Development Specialist helps create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where youth can develop emotional regulation, build healthy relationships, strengthen life skills, and work toward individualized treatment goals. Through daily interactions, activities, and behavior support, the Youth Development Specialist plays a critical role in each youth's growth, healing, and success.

Shift hours vary depending on scheduling needs, but primarily include weekend shifts with opportunities to fill-in during weekday and/or evening shifts.

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

• Provide close supervision of youth across residential, outdoor, and community settings. 
• Develop and implement program activities that support regulation and emphasize PassageWay elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit.
• Integrate routines and rhythms to provide a safe and structured environment.
• Ensure that youths’ basic needs are met including nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and rest.
• Cultivate connections with youth from diverse backgrounds and model effective relational, communication, and conflict-management skills. 
• Build a curious, attuned stance to understand the emotions, needs, and experiences that drive youth behaviors. 
• Effectively respond to youths’ behaviors by being proactive, identifying patterns, meeting needs, supporting regulation, and purposefully using behavior response strategies such as praise and reinforcement, problem-solving, and limit-setting.
• Utilize least restrictive measures necessary to maintain safety, emphasizing connection and co-regulation. 
• Build on youths’ strengths and assist them in developing a positive sense of self.
• Maintain awareness of personal responses to youth behavior and use strategies to maintain self-regulation. 
• Assist youth in understanding of their emotional experience and their ability to tolerate, express, and manage their emotions through co-regulation and skill-building.
• Develop an understanding of mental health concepts, psychotropic medications, and client symptomology.
• Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.
• Transport youth to off-campus activities using Northwest Passage vehicles, including 15-passenger vans.
• Complete all required documentation within expected timeframes and adhering to professional standards. 
• Attend and engage in all required meetings and trainings. 
• Maintain a clean and safe treatment environment.
• Understand and adhere to agency policies and procedures. 

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

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

Northwest Passage is an equal employment opportunity employer.