Youth Specialist

Description

Youth Specialist | Empowering Youth Through Connection & Support

Wellspring Lutheran Services – New Directions | Full-Time, Weekends Required | Hourly $21.63 + a shift differential | Accepting applications until August 10, 2026.

You chose to work with youth because you believe in potential.

You know that growth happens through encouragement, support, and opportunities to learn from both successes and challenges. You enjoy helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.

You understand that growth often happens through relationships, consistency, trust, and the presence of those who genuinely care.

At New Directions, you'll have the opportunity to be that person.

We're looking for a Youth Specialist who believes that every young person deserves someone who sees their potential and helps them move toward it.

As a Youth Specialist, you'll work directly with residents throughout their daily lives, helping create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing, learning, and growth can happen. You'll serve as a mentor, role model, coach, advocate, and trusted adult for youth working toward important treatment goals.

Most importantly, you'll help young people recognize that their future is full of possibilities.

What Your Impact Will Look Like

You'll build meaningful relationships with youth and become a consistent source of encouragement, support, and accountability.

You'll help create a safe and positive living environment where young people can develop confidence, practice new skills, and experience healthy relationships with peers and adults.

You'll spend your days engaging with residents during everyday moments—helping with schoolwork, teaching life skills, participating in recreational activities, sharing meals, having conversations, and supporting them through challenges and successes alike.

You'll help youth navigate difficult situations, practice coping skills, manage emotions, and work toward goals established through their individualized treatment plans.

You'll work alongside therapists, educators, clinical staff, and families to support each resident's growth and development.

You'll help provide the structure, stability, and consistency that many young people need as they build new skills and healthier patterns for the future.

Some days you'll be helping a resident prepare for school, coaching them through a difficult moment, or celebrating a personal accomplishment. Other days you'll be participating in recreational activities, supporting family visits, helping youth practice independent living skills, or simply being a positive role model during everyday interactions.

Every day brings opportunities to make an impact that can last a lifetime.

The Person We're Looking For

• You genuinely enjoy working with youth and helping them succeed.
  
• You believe every young person deserves respect, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.
  
• You are patient, compassionate, and able to remain calm during challenging situations.
  
• You understand the importance of structure, consistency, and healthy boundaries.
  
• You enjoy mentoring, teaching, and supporting others.
  
• You work well as part of a team and value collaboration.
  
• You want a career where your work directly impacts the lives of young people.

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma or GED required.
  
• Experience working with youth in a residential setting, individuals with disabilities or behaviors, special education setting, or a related field is required. 
  
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• A commitment to providing trauma-informed, youth-centered support.
  
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment while maintaining professionalism and positive interactions.

About New Directions

New Directions is a residential treatment program that helps youth with developmental disabilities and behaviors develop the skills needed for long-term success. Through therapy, education, recreation, life skills development, family involvement and compassion, we provide a comprehensive approach that supports each young person's unique strengths and goals.

As a Youth Specialist, you'll be at the heart of that work, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need for the future.

Why Wellspring Lutheran Services?

At Wellspring Lutheran Services, we believe every young person deserves someone who cares enough to invest in their future.

Our Youth Specialists at New Directions are often the people residents spend the most time with. You're the person encouraging them to keep trying, helping them navigate challenges, celebrating their successes, and reminding them of their potential on difficult days.

We Offer

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
  
• Paid time off and paid holidays
  
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
  
• Employee Assistance Program (SupportLinc)
  
• Professional development and training opportunities
  
• Career advancement opportunities within Child & Family Services
  
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment
  
• Meaningful work that changes lives

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
  
• Afternoon Shift (3:00pm - 11:00pm), 8 hour shifts.
  
• Weekend days and holidays required.
  
• Schedule designed to provide consistent support and supervision for youth in a
• 24/7 residential setting.
  
• Training / Start Date: Early September 2026 *

Date is tentative to change*

Apply Today

If you're looking for a career where compassion, mentorship, and purpose come together, we'd love to meet you.

Join Wellspring Lutheran Services and help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and discover the possibilities that await them.