What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Specialist, ILP position at Bethany Christian Services?
Requisition # : req15530
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: Part-time (20-24 hours/week)
What It’s Like To Work Here
We love God and we love people. Love like that motivates us to cast a big vision and believe that, together, we can change the world through family. For 80 years, our faith has inspired us to provide every child and family the safety, love, and connection they deserve.
At Bethany, our culture is driven by five core values:
How Your Role Makes a Difference
Imagine facing violence, extreme poverty, unexpected separation from your family, gang extortion, or trafficking—all before the age of 12. That’s the reality for unaccompanied children, primarily from Central America, seeking asylum at the U.S. border. The vast majority have the same wish: to reunite with a family member or sponsor already in the U.S or to prepare for independence in our community. In other words, to know they’re finally safe and out of harm’s way.
You’ll be one of the first to welcome unaccompanied refugee and immigrant children when they arrive at the program, helping them feel safe and assessing their needs. You’ll join a team that takes action, providing exceptional care to these children.
Your Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To
What will make you successful
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: Part-time (20-24 hours/week)
What It’s Like To Work Here
We love God and we love people. Love like that motivates us to cast a big vision and believe that, together, we can change the world through family. For 80 years, our faith has inspired us to provide every child and family the safety, love, and connection they deserve.
At Bethany, our culture is driven by five core values:
- We’re motivated by our faith.
- We support one another.
- We champion justice.
- We pursue excellence.
- We’re in it for the long haul.
How Your Role Makes a Difference
Imagine facing violence, extreme poverty, unexpected separation from your family, gang extortion, or trafficking—all before the age of 12. That’s the reality for unaccompanied children, primarily from Central America, seeking asylum at the U.S. border. The vast majority have the same wish: to reunite with a family member or sponsor already in the U.S or to prepare for independence in our community. In other words, to know they’re finally safe and out of harm’s way.
You’ll be one of the first to welcome unaccompanied refugee and immigrant children when they arrive at the program, helping them feel safe and assessing their needs. You’ll join a team that takes action, providing exceptional care to these children.
Your Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To
- Providing care, safety, and supervision of residents at bedtime and early morning
- Mentoring and providing therapeutic support to residents
- Helping facilitate intake of new clients when necessary
- Completing required documentation throughout shift
- Assisting with light cleaning, laundry, organizing, filing, and other administrative tasks
- Attending trainings and staff meetings
- Experience working in a team environment with other professionals who support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
- Opportunities for growth and promotions within Bethany
- Cross training in other programs where possible
- Competitive benefits package (*dependent on hours worked)
- Signing bonus shift premium
- Low-cost health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)*
- Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way plan that supports work-life balance and wellness, sick time, paid absence banks)*
- Comprehensive employee assistance program
- Employee covered long-term disability and term life insurance*
What will make you successful
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent
- Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
- At least one-year prior experience working with youth or children is required
- Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries
- Pass required medical examinations and have physical ability to fulfill essential job functions, including physical restraint of a resident
- Pass an initial TB test
- Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;
- May be required to work nights, weekend and holidays
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.
