Case Managers provides case management services for youth experiencing homelessness through Avenues for Youth’s emergency shelter and transitional housing. Through intake to after-care, the YAES strives to do that in a safe and affirming environment through a social justice lens. This position will partner with youth while they define their experiences, life dreams, and future. The YAES’s work takes into account harm reduction, trauma-informed care, strength-based and positive youth development principles while connecting with youth.

Avenues for Youth’s original and oldest program is now known as Minneapolis Avenues.  Located in North Minneapolis, this program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and intensive supportive services for 21 youth at a time, ages 18 to 24.  Annually, the program supports 170 to 190 young people.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

• Complete assessments of youth for housing and services, utilizing opportunities to meet one-on-one with youth to provide mentoring and guidance.
• Help youth create their individual goal plans and completion of their goals, including financial support, education, employment, job training, health and wellness, and housing.
• Coach on Independent Living Skills by assisting them to establish routines that help prepare them to live on their own and to be successful and stable in housing, school, work, and relationships.
• Coordinate care with colleagues in the agency and in the community, including mental health and nursing professionals, social workers, school counselors and family members.  
• Role model positive social interactions by involving youth in positive conflict resolution opportunities.
• Provide proactive intervention of conflict between youth in order to deescalate situations. Provide callers in crisis with counseling and appropriate referrals.
• Complete data workflow for youth in Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) including entry/exits, CEYS, data entry, outcomes reporting, and housing referrals.
• Prepare youth to transition our out site-based programs into independent living, including assisting youth towards continued progress and learning.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in social work, human services, education, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education, lived and work experience, and training.
• Previous experience with trauma-informed care, strengths-based youth empowerment models, HMIS, VI-SPDAT, and IAPP preferred. 
• Be at least 24 years of age.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

In response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic, Avenues for Youth has worked diligently to establish strong health and safety protocols for our community. This position is typically a face-to-face, in-person role. Currently many job duties can be fulfilled by phone or video-assisted technology, but some situations will require in-person meetings. Any interactions that require in-person contact will involve the use of social distancing and personal protective equipment.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and do our work through an equitable lens. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, other minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Compensation

$23.75 TO $25.50, depending on qualifications.  Avenues approaches staff well-being from a holistic perspective which includes our compensation and benefits program, employee assistance resources, and staff appreciation. We recently increased wages for staff in order to keep us competitive in the marketplace as well as in keeping with our commitment to provide living equitable wages. Avenues pays 85% of health insurance costs, as well as full dental, life, AD&D, short term and long term disability. Along with a generous paid-time-off policy, we recognize 8 holidays including a floating holiday for staff to use. In addition to providing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we demonstrate appreciation for our staff through annual celebrations, year-end bonuses, and team-building activities.

Job Title: Youth Advocacy and Engagement Specialist (Case Manager)

Department:   Shelter and Transitional Living 

Primary Location: Minneapolis Avenues

Reports To:   Program Manager

Employment Status: Full Time Hourly Non-Exempt 

Core Schedule: Mondays through Fridays, weekend flexibility 40hrs per week 

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes housing for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We strive to do that in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens. Avenues seeks to partner with youth and young families while they define their experiences, life dreams and future. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing, and community.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Minneapolis Avenues is Avenues’ original and oldest program.  Located in North Minneapolis, this program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and intensive supportive services for 20 youth at a time, ages 18 to 24.  Annually, the program supports 170 to 190 young people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

Overview

Utilizing the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work, the Youth Support Specialist plays a crucial role in creating a positive community environment that helps youth heal from trauma and prepare for stable housing. This position requires a balance of practical support and emotional intelligence to foster youth development and independence.

Youth Engagement and Support

• Build genuine professional relationships with youth to meet their basic needs in an engaging and safe environment.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring and guidance, including support for homework and meal preparation.
• Coach youth on Independent Living Skills, helping them establish routines for success in housing, school, work, and relationships.
• Role model positive social interactions and involve youth in constructive conflict resolution opportunities.
• Offer proactive intervention to de-escalate conflicts between youth.
• Assist in providing youth their medications and recording all medications taken as directed by pharmacist/medical provider

Facility Management

• Manage on-site supervision of the House, including answering phones and doors, completing room checks, and following shift checklists.
• Engage youth in completing chores to foster responsibility and community participation.
• Provide crisis counseling and appropriate referrals to callers in need.

Communication and Documentation

• Complete required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Communicate effectively with staff on shared goals and objectives, including comprehensive end-of-shift updates.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure consistent application of the 9 Evidence-Based Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness.
• Maintain and regularly check work email account, ensuring proper setup including Multi-Factor Authentication, both while on-site and when working remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• BA/BS in social work, human services, education, or related field; three-to-five years of related experience and/or training OR Equivalent combination of education, lived experience, work experience, and training
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support.
• Commitment to social justice principles and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills to address various challenges youth may face.

Technical Proficiency

• Ability to set up and manage work email accounts, including configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Comfortable accessing work email both on-site and remotely from home
• Basic troubleshooting skills for common email and account access issues

BACKGROUND CHECK

All Avenues For Youth employees must pass a background check, including a MN Department of Human Services background study.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and do our work through an equitable lens. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, other minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

COMPENSATION

$20.77-$22.50, depending on qualifications, and participation in our 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan. Additional benefits for employees regularly scheduled at least 24 hours per week include Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance. Generous paid-time off including 9 holidays and a floating holiday.

Job Title: Youth Support Specialist

Department:   Shelter and Transitional Living 

Primary Location: Minneapolis Avenues

Reports To:   Program Manager

Employment Status: Full Time Hourly Non-Exempt 

Core Schedule: 10:30pm to 7:00am. 7 days on 7 days off.

Please include your resume, cover letter and references with your application.

Organizational Overview

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Our work is rooted in social justice and partnership with youth, honoring their lived experiences, goals, and visions for the future. We recognize historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while centering resiliency, healing, and community.

Program Overview

Minneapolis Avenues is Avenues for Youth’s original and longest-running program. Located in North Minneapolis, the program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and intensive supportive services to up to 20 youth at a time, ages 18–24. Annually, the program serves approximately 170–190 young people.

Position Overview

The Lead Overnight Youth Support Specialist provides leadership and oversight for overnight operations, ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive engagement of youth residents. This role combines direct youth support with staff supervision, coaching, and operational responsibilities to ensure overnight shifts run smoothly and align with Avenues for Youth’s mission and values.

All work is grounded in the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work and uses trauma-informed, strengths-based, and harm-reduction approaches to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for youth and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Overnight Youth Support Specialist

Minneapolis Avenues Program

Organizational Overview

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Our work is rooted in social justice and partnership with youth, honoring their lived experiences, goals, and visions for the future. We recognize historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while centering resiliency, healing, and community.

Program Overview

Minneapolis Avenues is Avenues for Youth’s original and longest-running program. Located in North Minneapolis, the program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and intensive supportive services to up to 20 youth at a time, ages 18–24. Annually, the program serves approximately 170–190 young people.

Position Overview

The Lead Overnight Youth Support Specialist provides leadership and oversight for overnight operations, ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive engagement of youth residents. This role combines direct youth support with staff supervision, coaching, and operational responsibilities to ensure overnight shifts run smoothly and align with Avenues for Youth’s mission and values.

All work is grounded in the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work and uses trauma-informed, strengths-based, and harm-reduction approaches to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for youth and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Overnight Operations

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive overnight environment for youth and staff

• Model trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based practices

• Promote community and accountability grounded in the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work

• Fill overnight coverage gaps when on-call staff are unavailable to ensure continuous supervision

• Ensure completion of overnight operational tasks, including room checks, answering phones and doors, and shift checklists

• Maintain cleanliness and order throughout the house and assist with deep cleaning and basic maintenance as needed

Youth Engagement and Support

• Build genuine, professional relationships with youth to meet their basic needs in a safe and engaging environment

• Provide one-on-one mentoring, including support with homework, meals, routines, and independent living skills

• Coach youth in developing skills related to housing stability, education, employment, and healthy relationships

• Role model positive social interactions and support constructive conflict resolution

• Proactively intervene to de-escalate conflicts between youth

• Assist with medication administration and ensure accurate documentation as directed by medical providers

• Engage youth in household chores to promote responsibility and community participation

Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise overnight Youth Support Specialists, providing real-time coaching, guidance, and ethical support

• Manage overnight scheduling, including responding to call-ins and emergencies

• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring new overnight staff

• Facilitate weekly overnight staff meetings and conduct regular one-on-one check-ins

• Collaborate with the Site Manager on staff development needs and performance evaluations

Communication and Documentation

• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner

• Provide thorough end-of-shift updates to ensure continuity of care

• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff regarding goals, expectations, and program needs

• Maintain regular access to work email, including proper setup and use of Multi-Factor Authentication, both on-site and remotely

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and 2–4 years of relevant experience

• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, particularly youth from culturally diverse and marginalized backgrounds

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, positive youth development, and restorative justice practices

• Supervisory or lead experience preferred

• Lived experience and transferable skills are welcomed and valued

Skills and Competencies

Leadership and Judgment

• Ability to lead, coach, and support staff in high-responsibility situations

• Strong decision-making skills and ethical judgment

• Ability to hold self and others accountable while maintaining a supportive environment

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with youth and colleagues

• Ability to de-escalate conflict calmly and respectfully

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Professionalism and Integrity

• Maintains confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and follow-through

• Models respectful and ethical behavior at all times

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

• Responds flexibly to changing situations and youth needs

• Uses sound judgment to resolve challenges

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and growth

Technical Skills

• Ability to set up and manage work email accounts, including MFA

• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and record-keeping

• Ability to troubleshoot basic account and access issues

Background Check

All employees must successfully pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, twist, and communicate regularly. The employee must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, veteran status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or any other protected class. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

How to Apply

To learn more and apply, visit avenuesforyouth.org/join-our-team.

Leadership and Overnight Operations

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive overnight environment for youth and staff

• Model trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based practices

• Promote community and accountability grounded in the Nine Guiding Principles of Youth Work

• Fill overnight coverage gaps when on-call staff are unavailable to ensure continuous supervision

• Ensure completion of overnight operational tasks, including room checks, answering phones and doors, and shift checklists

• Maintain cleanliness and order throughout the house and assist with deep cleaning and basic maintenance as needed

Youth Engagement and Support

• Build genuine, professional relationships with youth to meet their basic needs in a safe and engaging environment

• Provide one-on-one mentoring, including support with homework, meals, routines, and independent living skills

• Coach youth in developing skills related to housing stability, education, employment, and healthy relationships

• Role model positive social interactions and support constructive conflict resolution

• Proactively intervene to de-escalate conflicts between youth

• Assist with medication administration and ensure accurate documentation as directed by medical providers

• Engage youth in household chores to promote responsibility and community participation

Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise overnight Youth Support Specialists, providing real-time coaching, guidance, and ethical support

• Manage overnight scheduling, including responding to call-ins and emergencies

• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring new overnight staff

• Facilitate weekly overnight staff meetings and conduct regular one-on-one check-ins

• Collaborate with the Site Manager on staff development needs and performance evaluations

Communication and Documentation

• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner

• Provide thorough end-of-shift updates to ensure continuity of care

• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff regarding goals, expectations, and program needs

• Maintain regular access to work email, including proper setup and use of Multi-Factor Authentication, both on-site and remotely

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and 2–4 years of relevant experience

• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, particularly youth from culturally diverse and marginalized backgrounds

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, positive youth development, and restorative justice practices

• Supervisory or lead experience preferred

• Lived experience and transferable skills are welcomed and valued

Skills and Competencies

Leadership and Judgment

• Ability to lead, coach, and support staff in high-responsibility situations

• Strong decision-making skills and ethical judgment

• Ability to hold self and others accountable while maintaining a supportive environment

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with youth and colleagues

• Ability to de-escalate conflict calmly and respectfully

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Professionalism and Integrity

• Maintains confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and follow-through

• Models respectful and ethical behavior at all times

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

• Responds flexibly to changing situations and youth needs

• Uses sound judgment to resolve challenges

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and growth

Technical Skills

• Ability to set up and manage work email accounts, including MFA

• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and record-keeping

• Ability to troubleshoot basic account and access issues

Background Check

All employees must successfully pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, twist, and communicate regularly. The employee must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, veteran status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or any other protected class. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

How to Apply

To learn more and apply, visit avenuesforyouth.org/join-our-team.