Youth Support Specialist: Foster Care Services Stay-C

YMCA of the North; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the North is seeking a Youth Support Specialist to provide essential support services for youth aged 14-23. This role focuses on case management and building supportive relationships while addressing the specific needs of diverse populations. The specialist will collaborate with community partners and assist youths in their journey towards self-sufficiency and healthy transitions post-care.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working with youth, including case management.
• Ability to work independently and utilize resources effectively.
• Experience with diverse and low-income at-risk populations.

Responsibilities

• Perform case management and needs assessment for youth.
• Build relationships with youth, community partners, and staff.
• Provide work direction to team members and interns.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Cultural Competence

Relationship Building

Basic Computer Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field

Job description

This position requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements.

The salary for this position starts at $23.00 hourly. We consider an individual’s background and experience when determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a range of benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

The YMCA Life Coaching program supports former foster youth in Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, and Carver counties, ages 14-23, by providing Independent Living Skills and supportive services. The program assesses each person’s needs and creates an ILS plan with goals and outcomes to meet participant needs. The Life Coach works one-on-one with referred foster youth to promote self-sufficiency, remove barriers, and connect them to workshops, activities, social opportunities, and celebrations. They assist youth in developing goal plans supporting education, employment, money management, housing, community resources, and leadership opportunities. Life Coaches also prepare young people for healthy transitions post-care and connect them to additional services if needed.

Job Summary

The Youth Support Specialist supports youth and families through services that address specific needs. They demonstrate ethical behavior, maintain healthy boundaries, and perform case management functions in a culturally competent, harm-reducing manner. This role is part of our Life Coaching program serving youth aged 14-23, in partnership with DHS and the STAY in the Community grant, regardless of gender or ethnic background.

Essential Functions

• Perform case management, needs assessment, documentation, and coordination of community resources.
• Build supportive relationships with youth, community partners, educators, and resource staff.
• Provide work direction to team members, interns, and volunteers as needed.
• Perform administrative duties to support the program.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Corrections, Youth Development, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working with youth, including case management and diverse, low-income, at-risk populations.
• Professionalism in time management and communication.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and utilize resources effectively.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Ability to transport youth and pass a YMCA vehicle driver’s road test and insurance training.

Preferred:

• Multilingual skills.
• Fundraising experience.

Relationships

This role reports to the Program Director, interacts with youth, families, community partners, and YMCA staff.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment

The Y of the North is dedicated to eliminating disparities and fostering an inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive environment. We strive for staff and volunteers to reflect the communities we serve and to continually review our policies to promote equity and respect for all.