Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch·Bismarck, North Dakota
The Wellness Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing wellness activities, including physical exercise and hobby exploration, to engage youth in treatment. They also provide guidance, monitor safety, and document progress to support the individualized treatment plans of the youth.
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.
$20.50 an hour
Weekday evenings and every other weekend. Part-Time are scheduled for 24 hours per week. Full-time is scheduled for 40 hours per week.
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.
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
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
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
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience working with youth or families. A valid driver's license with an insurable record and the ability to pass a criminal background check are mandatory.
Market context
In North Dakota, Wellness Specialist openings often draw candidates with youth or family service experience, especially when the role involves regular community or school-based contact. These positions can be competitive because employers commonly look for a valid driver’s license, background-check clearance, and comfort working directly with young people. Before applying, confirm you meet the age, education, and experience requirements, and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time.