Residential Treatment Specialist
Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch
Summary
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is looking for compassionate, dependable Residential Treatment Specialists to join our team in Bismarck, ND, serving children and teens ages 10-17. At the Ranch, you'll find more than a job, you'll find purpose. Every day, we help children and families overcome trauma, build resilience, and discover new possibilities through compassionate care and meaningful relationships. Our team creates a safe, supportive environment where young people can heal, grow, and succeed.
Job description
Compensation & Schedule
Starting Wage: $20/hour (plus benefits). Schedule: We are currently hiring part-time and full-time employees for the following shifts: B Shift: 2:30 - 10:30 p.m. Weekend Rotations: All full-time and part-time employees are required to work every other weekend as part of the regular schedule. Training Requirements: While we offer a variety of shifts, we have mandatory training sessions held during normal business hours (M-F, 8 to 5) in the first 30 days that must be completed before being assigned scheduled shifts.
What You Will Do
As a Residential Treatment Specialist I (RTS I), you'll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and teens ages 10-17 by providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment where they can learn, grow, and heal. In this hands-on role, you'll build positive relationships with youth, teach life and social skills, encourage healthy behaviors, and help them work toward their individual treatment goals. Every day is different—you may help with daily routines, lead activities, support therapy goals, respond to challenging behaviors with compassion, document progress, and communicate with families and your team. We're looking for caring, dependable individuals who enjoy working with children, stay calm under pressure, and want to make a lasting impact. You'll work as part of a supportive team in a trauma-informed environment that values a PCL Culture of Purpose, Caring, and Learning.
Purpose
See each child for their potential—not their past.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that help youth reach their goals.
- Coach, encourage, and role model healthy behaviors every day.
- Supervise and support youth in both residential and community settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Help youth develop the life skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Caring
Create a safe, welcoming environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive.
- Respond to youth with compassion using trauma-informed care.
- Partner with parents, therapists, case workers, and other professionals to support each child's progress.
- Implement individualized treatment plans and support youth in achieving their goals.
- Help create a structured, positive environment where every child feels valued and supported.
- Document observations, behaviors, and progress to support each youth's treatment.
Learning
Never stop growing—for yourself or the youth you serve.
- Participate in ongoing training to strengthen your skills and provide the highest quality care.
- Engage youth in therapeutic, recreational, and skill-building activities that promote growth and development.
- Work collaboratively with your team to continuously improve the care and support we provide.
Grow Your Career With US!
The Residential Treatment Specialist I (RTS I) position is an excellent entry point into a meaningful career at the Ranch. Employees have opportunities to grow into RTS II and RTS III roles as they build their skills, experience, and leadership abilities — creating a clear pathway for professional development and increased earning potential.
Qualifications
- Must be 21 or older at the time of application. High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must pass a criminal background check, including child abuse and neglect.
- Preferred: An insurable motor vehicle driving record.
- Post-secondary studies in social science, psychology, behavioral health, or human service-related fields are preferred but not required.
Requirements
- Must be 21 or older at the time of application
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must pass a criminal background check, including child abuse and neglect
- Preferred: An insurable motor vehicle driving record
- Post-secondary studies in social science, psychology, behavioral health, or human service-related fields are preferred but not required
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- 403(b) retirement savings plan
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Dependent care flex spending account
- Vision insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Term life insurance
- Daily pay option
- Paid training
- Health savings account
- Thrift store discount
Company overview
Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch is a nonprofit organization specializing in mental health care services for children and adolescents. The organization provides comprehensive residential treatment, therapeutic services, and educational support for youth facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Operating primarily in the Dakota region, the Ranch offers a structured, therapeutic environment where young people can receive specialized care while continuing their education. Their programs typically include individual and group therapy, family counseling, psychiatric services, and life skills development. As a faith-based organization, Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch integrates spiritual support with evidence-based clinical practices to address the holistic needs of each child. The organization plays a crucial role in the regional mental health care system by serving vulnerable youth who require intensive therapeutic intervention beyond what traditional outpatient services can provide. Their mission focuses on helping children heal from trauma, develop coping skills, and build foundations for successful futures through compassionate, professional care in a safe residential setting.