Join Our Mission to Transform Lives as an Aftercare Specialist
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of youth? Do you believe in second chances and the power of community support? If so, Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services wants you on our team!
We’re looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and driven Aftercare Specialist to help justice-involved youth successfully transition from residential treatment back into their communities. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to be a mentor, advocate, and lifeline for young people striving for a better future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise Youth Workers and lead daily problem-solving and youth assessment groups.
- Gather information, complete case forms and reports, and prepare Social History and Youth Assessment Reports.
- Manage a caseload of 15-20 youth, providing personalized support and guidance.
What You’ll Do
As an Aftercare Specialist, you’ll be the bridge between residential care and community reintegration. You’ll:
- Provide six months of structured aftercare services post-discharge.
- Build strong, supportive relationships with youth and their families.
- Coordinate with community agencies, schools, and mental health providers.
- Deliver therapeutic services and crisis support—sometimes virtually, always compassionately.
- Track progress, document outcomes, and ensure compliance with MDHHS standards.
- Be a key player in a multidisciplinary team focused on rehabilitation, not punishment.
Who You Are
You’re someone who:
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Has experience working with youth in residential, detention, or formal supervision settings.
- Is a natural communicator—empathetic, organized, and calm under pressure.
- Understands trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices.
- Has a valid Michigan driver’s license and is ready to travel up to 90 miles to support youth where they are.
Why Join Spectrum?
At Spectrum, we believe in hope, healing, and opportunity. We’re a culturally diverse, mission-driven organization that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. You’ll receive:
- Ongoing training and development
- A supportive, collaborative work environment
- The chance to change lives every single day
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’re ready to be a champion for youth and a catalyst for change, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build brighter futures—one young person at a time.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or related field
- Experience working with youth in residential, detention, or formal supervision settings
- Ability to supervise youth workers and lead problem-solving and assessment groups
- Ability to manage a caseload of 15-20 youth and provide personalized support
- Competence in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices
- Skill delivering therapeutic services and crisis support (including virtual delivery)
- Strong documentation skills: complete case forms, Social History, Youth Assessment Reports, and outcome tracking
- Valid Michigan driver's license and willingness to travel up to 90 miles
- Ability to coordinate with community agencies, schools, and mental health providers and ensure MDHHS compliance
What We Do
What We Do Dignity and respect are simple human gifts. We believe they belong to everyone. Since 1976, we’ve worked to strengthen children, families and communities across the state of Michigan. Our assistance directly addresses the challenges SHS users face, including: Assessment and diagnostic services Family preservation Foster care and adoption Independent and assisted living programs Juvenile treatment and detention Short and long-term residential programs Small group living and outpatient mental health treatment Substance abuse prevention and treatment services Workforce development Each day, more than 1,450 children, teens and adults who deal with mental, physical, emotional and/or behavioral challenges find help in a Spectrum program. And, we are gratified they do. Affiliations Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
