Youth Specialist

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the “Impact Award” from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary: 

Supervises residents and ensures them a safe and secure environment. Activities include processing resident intakes and discharges, supervising recreational activities, teaching proper hygiene and conduct, monitoring resident behavior, intervening in crisis situations and documenting incidents and resident interaction.

Wage: $26.41 per hour to start, no benefits, variable schedule, as needed, up to 19.5 hours per week

1. Maintains facility security by monitoring residents’ activities, observing conduct, behavior and attitude, conducting regular room/bed checks. Investigating incidents and informing appropriate persons of incidents.
2. Interacts with residents individually and in group setting to discuss personal problems, facility rules and regulations, and to teach proper conduct.
3. Reacts to crisis situations, such as unruly behavior and fighting, intervening in an appropriate manner. Restrains residents when required for their safety. Evaluates suicidal or AWOL behavior and closely monitors residents exhibiting those tendencies.
4. Dispenses medication to residents in accordance with the physician approved prescriptions, logs medication, dispenses and ensures medications are secured. Provides basic first aid as necessary. Assesses injuries and illnesses and determined need for medical care in accordance with program guidelines.
5. Supervises residents to ensure compliance with facility rules. Addresses noncompliant behavior by coaching and teaching approved theory and therapy techniques. Support youth with emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
6. Processes resident intake. Documents all required resident personal information. Conducts personal searches of residents. Logs all resident personal items and stores any items not allowed in the detention center away from residents until they are no longer living at the detention center. Orients new residents and parents to the facility; explaining the philosophy, policies, procedures and program rules.

Education and Experience:

1. Two years of college (30 semester hours) towards a social science or human services related degree is required OR High School Diploma / GED Equivalent with two years of work experience in a child / adolescent care facility or closely related setting.
2. Bachelor’s degree in a social science or human services field is preferred.
3. Current unencumbered Michigan Driver’s License with no more than one traffic violation in the last 12 months.