TITLE: DEVELOPMENTAL COACH 4pm-12am
REPORTS TO: House Manager
FUNCTION:
Using a trauma-informed and relationship-based system of care grounded in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Developmental Coaches provide direct support to residents at Hope Village for Children. Residents have experienced complex trauma, including abuse, neglect, abandonment, and other adverse life events.
The primary objective of the Developmental Coach is to create a safe, predictable, and nurturing environment where residents can heal, build trust, and develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Through attunement, connection, and empowerment, Developmental Coaches help residents regulate their emotions, develop healthy relationships, and build essential life skills.
Developmental Coaches are responsible for fostering an atmosphere of felt safety, trust, respect, and dignity, while supporting each resident through individualized, strengths-based plans of care. This role emphasizes proactive engagement, co-regulation, and skill-building, recognizing that behavior is a form of communication rooted in past experiences.
All Developmental Coaches are trained in trauma-informed practices and participate in ongoing professional development, including but not limited to:
· Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
· MANDT (de-escalation and safety interventions)
· Restorative and resilience-focused care
· Medication management and health awareness
· Cultural humility and diversity
· Crisis intervention and emergency procedures
· Abuse/neglect recognition and reporting
· Confidentiality and ethical documentation
Developmental Coaches work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support residents’ healing, growth, and long-term success.
MAJOR DUTIES
· Build Trusting Relationships (Connecting Principles)
o Engage with residents through attunement, active listening, and empathy
o Use mindful awareness of verbal and non-verbal cues to respond to needs
o Create consistent, nurturing interactions that promote felt safety
· Promote Emotional and Physical Safety (Empowering Principles)
o Maintain structured, predictable routines to reduce anxiety and increase regulation
o Support residents in meeting physiological needs (nutrition, hydration, rest)
o Recognize and respond to signs of stress, trauma triggers, and dysregulation
· Teach Self-Regulation and Life Skills
o Model and teach coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving
o Provide guidance in daily living skills (hygiene, cooking, organization, time management)
o Support independence through scaffolded learning and encouragement
· Guide Behavior with Compassion (Correcting Principles)
o Use proactive strategies to prevent escalation
o Redirect behavior using respectful, non-punitive interventions
o Implement MANDT and TBRI-aligned responses focused on teaching rather than punishment
o Help residents understand the connection between feelings, choices, and outcomes
· Support Academic and Developmental Growth
o Provide structured study time and educational encouragement
o Collaborate with educational supports to monitor progress
· Encourage Healthy Social Engagement
o Facilitate cooperative games, group activities, and positive peer interactions
o Promote inclusion, teamwork, and communication skills
· Respond to Crises with a Trauma-Informed Lens
o Utilize de-escalation and co-regulation strategies
o Ensure safety while preserving dignity and minimizing re-traumatization
· Health & Wellness Support
o Administer medications as prescribed
o Provide first aid and respond to medical needs
o Encourage overall wellness and self-care practices
· Documentation & Communication
o Accurately document observations, progress notes, and incidents in Social Solutions
o Communicate effectively with the treatment team to ensure continuity of care
· Team Collaboration
o Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and treatment planning
o Maintain professional, respectful relationships with staff and families
· Cultural Responsiveness & Ethics
o Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
o Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards
· Safety & Compliance
o Participate in fire, disaster, and safety drills
o Follow all licensing and organizational policies and procedures
· Transportation
o Transport residents safely to appointments, school, and activities
QUALIFICATIONS
· Education:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred OR High School Diploma/GED with relevant experience and training
· Experience:
Minimum of two years working with youth, particularly those with:
- Trauma histories
- Emotional/behavioral challenges
- Developmental or social needs
· Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to build trust and rapport with youth from hard places
- Strong emotional intelligence and patience
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to remain calm and regulated in high-stress situations
- Commitment to ongoing learning in trauma-informed care
· Requirements:
- Willingness to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends)
- Completion of required certifications (CPR, First Aid, MANDT, TBRI training)
- Valid driver’s license and insurability
- Must be willing to perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the mission, operations, and needs of Hope Village for Children. These duties may extend beyond those specifically outlined in this job description and may include tasks necessary to ensure the safety, care, and well-being of residents and the effective functioning of the program
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to pass, at orientation and at regular intervals as outlined by licensing agencies, a background check, an NCIC federal background check through fingerprinting, a drug screen, a physical exam, MVR insurance guidelines, and any other screenings as outlined by licensing agencies (MDCPS, MDMH etc.). Compliance is required for continued employment.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· Connection before correction
· Behavior as communication
· Felt safety over control
· Regulation before expectation
· Empowerment through structure and nurture
Pay: $14.50 - $15.75 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
