Northwest Passage is seeking individuals to serve as a compass in the healing journeys of children and teens.

Serving over 350 youth ages 6-17 per year, Northwest Passage has been a leading non-profit mental health organization since 1978. We believe that every child possesses profound strength and potential, and is capable of thriving. The Youth Development Specialist position represents one of the central relationships for clients in the constellation of therapeutic activities and life at Northwest Passage.

We are seeking individuals passionate about working with youth, and we require an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related field. Past experience working with youth is strongly preferred but not required.

This is an ideal position both for those seeking a career at Northwest Passage, as well as those looking for a stepping stone to graduate school or other professional paths. Many who entered Northwest Passage as a Youth Development Specialist are now leaders both within the organization and in the field of mental health.

Northwest Passage’s facilities are nestled within the wild landscapes and idyllic small towns of Northwest Wisconsin.

This position offers a salary commensurate with experience and competitive in the field. Benefits are exceptional and include free off-site housing, student loan reimbursement, health/life insurance, and paid time off. Hours are Monday-Friday 2:30pm-10:30pm

Responsibilities:

• Creates and maintains a structured and safe living environment for youth as they undergo treatment and therapy
• Develops, coordinates, and executes programming initiatives with adolescents 12-17 years old
• Provide a nurturing environment with close, intensive supervision for high-risk adolescent residents in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
• Works directly with at-risk youth during the evenings in a residential assessment facility
• Attends all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required
• Maintains a clean and safe environment
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Understands and follows agency policies
• Acts as a positive role model

• Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, staff, and others
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and observation skills
• A desire to gain meaningful, practical, and professional experience in the mental health field
• Helpful attitude and friendly demeanor
• Must be able to work Monday-Friday, 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM

• Student Loan Reimbursement Plan
• Off-site Housing
• Health Insurance, Life Insurance
• Optional Dental Plan, Optional Disability Plan
• Free On-duty Meals
• Competitive Pay & Direct Deposit
• Recruiting Referral Bonus Program
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Monday - Friday Work Week
• Family and Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Formal Ongoing Training Program & Paid Training

Northwest Passage has been a leading non-profit residential mental health organization since 1978, serving a diverse range of youth including those who identify as LGBTQ, youth of color, youth who are neuro-diverse, and those who have been misunderstood by their own communities. We believe that every child possesses profound strength and potential and is capable of thriving. While blending traditional mental health treatment with arts and nature-based therapy, we create conditions that unleash inner strength, ultimately empowering our clients to re-write their inner narratives through a lens of hope. We also believe that relationships are the key element in a healing journey; our kids re-connect and re-engage with their life through meaningful, authentic relationships with our staff.

Though the problems facing children and teens have evolved since 1978, the fundamental needs for self-respect, trust, relationships, and steady guidance remain the same. And while Northwest Passage has grown in size and sophistication, we’ve never lost sight of the foundations all children need to be successful. Above anything else, Northwest Passage’s goal is to restore hope in our clients.

Northwest Passage’s facilities are nestled within the wild landscapes and idyllic small towns of Northwest Wisconsin. Your "office" might include a northern Wisconsin prairie, a yurt in the woods, a running river, a horse pasture, or underwater with a camera!