Residential Treatment Specialist

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is looking for compassionate, dependable Residential Treatment Specialists to join our team in Fargo, ND, serving children and teens ages 12–17. At the Ranch, you'll find more than a job — you'll find purpose. Every day, we help children and families overcome trauma, build resilience, and discover new possibilities through compassionate care and meaningful relationships. Our team creates a safe, supportive environment where young people can heal, grow, and succeed. If you're looking for a career where you can make a lasting impact, be part of a supportive team, and help change lives every day, we'd love to meet you.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

Starting Wage: $20/hour (plus benefits) 

Schedule: We are currently hiring part-time and full-time employees for the following shifts:.

• B Shift: 2:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Weekend Rotations: All full-time and part-time employees are required to work every other weekend as part of the regular schedule.

For part-time positions, we offer flexible scheduling options, including 4-6-hour shifts, as well as 8-, 10-, and 12-hour shifts. Split shifts may also be available based on department needs.

Training Requirements: While we offer a variety of shifts, we have mandatory training sessions held during normal business hours (M-F, 8 to 5) in the first 30 days that must be completed before being assigned scheduled shifts.  

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As a Residential Treatment Specialist I (RTS I), you'll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and teens ages 12–17 by providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment where they can learn, grow, and heal. In this hands-on role, you'll build positive relationships with youth, teach life and social skills, encourage healthy behaviors, and help them work toward their individual treatment goals. Every day is different—you may help with daily routines, lead activities, support therapy goals, respond to challenging behaviors with compassion, document progress, and communicate with families and your team. We're looking for caring, dependable individuals who enjoy working with children, stay calm under pressure, and want to make a lasting impact. You'll work as part of a supportive team in a trauma-informed environment that values a PCL Culture of Purpose, Caring, and Learning. If you're passionate about helping young people succeed and want a career where what you do truly matters, we'd love to have you join our team.  

Purpose: See each child for their potential—not their past.

• Build positive, trusting relationships that help youth reach their goals.
• Coach, encourage, and role model healthy behaviors every day.
• Supervise and support youth in both residential and community settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Help youth develop the life skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Caring: Create a safe, welcoming environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive.

• Respond to youth with compassion using trauma-informed care.
• Partner with parents, therapists, case workers, and other professionals to support each child's progress.
• Implement individualized treatment plans and support youth in achieving their goals.
• Help create a structured, positive environment where every child feels valued and supported.
• Document observations, behaviors, and progress to support each youth's treatment.

Learning:  Never stop growing—for yourself or the youth you serve.

• Participate in ongoing training to strengthen your skills and provide the highest quality care.
• Engage youth in therapeutic, recreational, and skill-building activities that promote growth and development.
• Work collaboratively with your team to continuously improve the care and support we provide.

Grow Your Career With US! 

The Residential Treatment Specialist I (RTS I) position is an excellent entry point into a meaningful career at the Ranch. Employees have opportunities to grow into RTS II and RTS III roles as they build their skills, experience, and leadership abilities — creating a clear pathway for professional development and increased earning potential.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 or older at the time of application.  High school diploma or equivalent.   
• Must pass a criminal background check, including child abuse and neglect.
• Preferred: An insurable motor vehicle driving record.
• Post-secondary studies in social science, psychology, behavioral health, or human service-related fields are preferred but not required.  

BENEFITS

As we support treatments that care for others, we also work to care for our team members' professional and personal growth and well-being. We know that benefits are important. Must work a minimum of 30 hours/week to be eligible to enroll in medical and dental insurance.

• Option to get paid daily through Daily Pay!
• Paid Training! (at full wage)
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% employer match up to 5% 
• Medical and Dental Insurance. Employees participate in the cost of premiums and have the option of purchasing additional coverage for dependents 
• Health Savings Account with a $125/month employer contribution if enrolled in the Ranch's Medical plan  
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance policies 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Generous Paid Time Off (accrual based on hours worked) 
• Seven paid holidays each year 
• Dependent Care Flex Spending Account  
• Voluntary Vision Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Term Life Insurance 
• 20% discount on items at all Ranch Thrift Store locations 
• Training & advancement opportunities 

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