Wellness Specialist

The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is unlike any place you have worked! We are a place of hope where troubled kids and their families find professional care, compassionate expertise, and new possibilities. In short, we help the kids no one else can—we help them find and become who they are.  

JOIN OUR TEAM!  

We are currently seeking a Part-Time or Full-Time  Wellness Specialist to support wellness activities for the youth we serve.

Starting wage: $20.50 an hour

Schedule: Weekday evenings and every other weekend. Part-Time are scheduled for 24 hours per week. Full-time is scheduled for 40 hours per week.

What you will do: The Wellness Specialist is responsible for carrying out the deliverables of the wellness program as it relates to engaging youth in physical activity, hobby exploration, and skills development. The Wellness Specialist works with youth to explore their interests inside and outside of treatment. The Wellness Specialist assists in the scheduling, preparing, implementing, and cleaning up after activities with youth, which is done in either group settings or individually with youth, on or off-campus.

Purpose  

You recognize our kids by their strengths and do not judge or interact with them based on their history or behavior.  

• Build positive relationships with youth by providing guidance, support and offering advice
• Engage, plan, and coordinate with the youth and treatment team in exploring activities that will help develop the youth’s skills, hobbies, interests
• Engage youth through active participation in daily activities on or off-campus

Caring  

You create a warm, welcoming environment that provides a safe place for kids to grow and learn and for staff to thrive.  

• Evaluate, assess, and respond to the youth’s physical and emotional needs in alignment with the individualized treatment plan, safety plan, cottage programming, and agency procedures
• Monitor and maintain a safe environment for completing wellness activities
• Be an advocate for youth and family

Learning  

You evaluate our programs, attend trainings, and integrate new practices to ensure our kids and families receive the best care we can provide.  

• Assist in the implementation of wellness programming, such as Fit Rec, Running Group, Gardening, Recycling, and Summer Programming as directed by the Wellness Coordinator
• Assist in the implementation of wellness goals through individual sessions with youth as directed by the Wellness Coordinator
• Document weekly progress through Rec Tracking Forms and Goals Progress Notes

Minimum qualifications/education:  

• Must be 21 or older at time of application. High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must pass a criminal background check, including child abuse and neglect.
• Must have a current state driver's license
• Must have an insurable driving record
• 1 year experience working with youth/families or completion of all training as required (ref NDCC 75-03-40-29)
• Preference will be given to candidates that have a degree or certification in Physical Education, Personal Training or a similar field of expertise

Benefits: As we support treatments that care for others, we also work to care for our team member's professional, personal growth and well-being. We know that benefits are important. If you have questions ahead of time, please, ask, and one of our HR Ranchers would be happy to discuss.  

• Paid training (at full wage rate)
• Work Today, Get Paid Today option
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% employer match up to 5% 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Generous Paid Time Off (accrual based on hours worked) 
• Dependent Care Flex Spending Account  
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• 20% discount on items at all Ranch Thrift Store locations 
• STAR leadership program  
• Free meals at the cafeteria while on shift 
• Additional benefits for Full-Time employees include medical, dental, life insurance, and short-term disability