Developmental psychologist Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

3rd Shift Developmental Care Specialist (Part-Time) | Residential Behavioral Health

VanderArk A Program | Boys Ages 1217 | Specialized program for boys with developmental disabilities

Why Wedgwood?

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest mental health and behavioral health problems in West Michigan. We serve children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs.

Join a Trauma-Informed Residential Treatment Team

We are seeking a Developmental Care Specialist to provide direct care within our residential behavioral health program serving adolescent boys (ages 1217). Many of the boys in our VanderArk A Program have never experienced consistent safety or stability. As a Developmental Care Specialist, you will show up daily as a stable, caring adult helping youth build resilience, practice emotional regulation, and envision a future beyond trauma.

In addition to supporting normal daily operations of the residential unit, you will coordinate with the Program BCBA to implement focused behavioral intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). You may facilitate social interactions, as well as design and conduct exciting daily small group activities in a fun, engaging environment.

If you are passionate about behavioral health, trauma-informed residential care, ABA, youth advocacy, and therapeutic mentorship, we invite you to apply.

Schedule:

• 3 out of 4 weekends a month (Saturday & Sunday) 11p-7a with opportunities to pick up shifts.

Compensation:

• $20.50 - $22.50/hour
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked on holidays
• Employer-paid training and re-certification

What You'll Do

Working alongside our residential care team, you will:

• Conduct routine bed checks (at least every 15 minutes) to ensure resident safety and well-being
• Accurately document bed checks, observations, and resident behaviors
• Maintain a calm, structured, and therapeutic overnight environment
• Serve as a consistent, positive role model and build supportive relationships with residents
• Utilize verbal de-escalation, crisis intervention, and safe physical interventions when necessary
• Support youth in developing social, emotional, and daily living skills
• Assist with basic household responsibilities, including light meal preparation and maintaining a home-like environment
• Administer medications as assigned and support health and wellness needs
• Provide basic first aid and coordinate with medical personnel when needed
• Transport residents as required
• Ensure residents have necessary clothing and personal care items
• Follow all agency and program policies, procedures, and documentation standards

Background & Qualifications

Required:

• At least 20 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and safely perform physical interventions when necessary
• Alignment with Wedgwood's Statement of Faith, vision and values

Preferred Education:

• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Social Work (BSW in progress or completed)
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Human Services
• Child Development
• Criminal Justice (youth focus)
• Addiction Studies
• Behavioral Health or related field

Preferred Experience:

• Residential treatment (adolescents or adults)
• ABA Therapy (in home or center based)
• Behavioral health or mental health settings
• Juvenile justice or youth-serving programs
• Crisis intervention or trauma-informed environments
• Rehabilitation or recovery centers/shelters
• Group homes, inpatient, or community mental health

Benefits:

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• A Locally Partnered Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance discount through Nationwide
• Legal Insurance
• Direct deposit
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
• Wedgwood is proud to offer a full gymnasium with an attached 24hr wellness center that houses a wide variety of workout equipment. Wedgwood is happy to provide this space to our staff at no cost.
• Walking trail that leads around the beautiful campus.

Mission: Wedgwood Christian Services extends God's love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational services. Core Values: Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity