Part-time Youth Advocate

Face-to-Face-Health-; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Face to Face in Minnesota is seeking a Youth Advocate who will be the first point of contact at SafeZone, providing individualized support and basic needs assistance to youth experiencing homelessness.

This part-time role (20 hours/week) emphasizes front desk duties, meal support, crisis response, data collection and helping youth access housing, mental health and community resources, all in an onsite setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• B.A. in social services preferred; experience may substitute.
• Minimum 2 years experience with homeless or at–risk youth.
• Strong communication and crisis management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to diversity and harm reduction.

Responsibilities

• Manage front desk at SafeZone and answer phones.
• Provide individualized support and basic needs assistance.
• Assist with meals, hygiene, showers and laundry.
• Lead volunteers and youth programs.
• Collect data and complete paperwork.
• Refer youth to housing, case management and mental health services.
• Respond to crises and de-escalate incidents.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Crisis management

Independent work

Diversity awareness

Reliability

Positive youth development

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

B.A. in social services

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Face to Face’s vision is to see all youth valued for who they are and realize their full potential. Founded in 1972, Face to Face supports youth ages 11–24 through six core service areas: medical, mental health, day shelter, housing, education and employment, and youth justice. All services include comprehensive, wraparound support that recognizes young people often face multiple, interconnected challenges. This whole-person approach allows youth to access the support, opportunities, and access to resources they need all in one place.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Youth Advocate is the first point of contact when youth enter SafeZone, our drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness. The Youth Advocate position is responsible for providing individualized support & basic needs assistance (including meals, personal hygiene, shower and laundry) and follow‑up to support youth to overcome homelessness.

This position is part‑time, 20 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all tasks related to the front desk at SafeZone.
• Provide excellent customer service while checking youth in the center and answering phones.
• Engage with youth at the center in a meaningful and respectful manner while assisting them with various resources offered at the center or in the community.
• Respond to crises and de‑escalate situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Maintain the daily flow of the drop‑in center by working in the clothing closet, restocking center supplies, upkeep of common areas, and special projects that arise.
• Support food service operations, including packing bag lunches and preparing/serving hot meals.
• Lead volunteers in the drop‑in.
• Lead youth programing.
• Collecting and recording appropriate data and completion of paperwork.
• Provide basic needs/survival aide, crisis intervention, supportive services, information and referrals to run‑away and homeless youth that enable youth to relocate from the streets to safe and stable housing situations.
• Conduct individual assessments with youth to determine needs and housing stability.
• Refer youth to agencies for supportive services, case management and mental health support.
• Provides all services guided by the evidence‑based principles for helping youth overcome homelessness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School degree or equivalent required
• B.A. in social services or equivalent education preferred; experience in lieu of degree will be considered
• Minimum of 2 years work experience working with the homeless or at‑risk youth
• Ability to work independently, exercising good judgment in involving others when necessary
• Experience with a positive youth development and harm reduction approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High reliability and integrity
• Positive attitude and willingness to do what it takes to meet youth needs
• Good crisis management skills and the ability to navigate stressful situations well
• Knowledge of homelessness and its impact youth
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial and cultural backgrounds

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Face to Face we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

LOCATION:

Essential Onsite – This role requires the employee to be onsite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to perform the duties outlined in the job description.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities typical of an office environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Able to be flexible, work under stress and to respond to emergencies/crisis
• Must be able to travel in all weather conditions in MN

Appropriate accommodations for physical demands will be made for individuals with disabilities.

PAY & BENEFITS:

The pay rate for this position is between $22.50 and $22.75 per hour, based on qualifications.

For less than 20 hours a week: Face to Face offers part‑time employees Sick & Safe leave and access to a 403b account with 3% employer match

This position is part of a unionized bargaining group, represented by SEIU Healthcare MN & IA. As part of a unionized environment, employees in this role may be required to join the union or pay union dues.

Face to Face is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse groups, including persons of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply. Former clients are also encouraged to apply.