Location: Minneapolis Avenues (Onsite)

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: On Call Part time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Our Mission

At Avenues for Youth, we partner with youth experiencing homelessness to help them achieve housing stability and build pathways to independence. Through a social justice lens, we provide safe, affirming spaces where young people can define their futures and thrive.

Position Overview

The Youth Support Specialist provides direct support to youth in a structured, safe, and supportive environment. This role focuses on building positive relationships, supporting daily routines, and helping youth develop the skills needed for long-term stability and independence. This is a fully onsite, hands-on role working closely with youth.

Schedule

Shifts: Day and Night shift (Needed)

On-call roles are required to work at least two shifts per month 

Compensation

Pay range: $20.77 – $22.50/hour

Primary Responsibilities

Youth Engagement & Support

• Build positive, professional relationships with youth
• Provide mentoring and support with routines, meals, and independent living skills
• De-escalate conflicts and maintain a safe environment
• Support youth in developing life skills and daily structure
• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Program Operation

• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Communication & Documentation

• Complete documentation accurately and promptly
• Provide clear shift updates to team members 
• Maintain professional communication with staff and leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Experience working with youth or in human services preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an onsite role requiring standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Safe and Sick Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Staff appreciation events

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Location: Brooklyn Avenues  (Onsite), Brooklyn Park, MN

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Our Mission

At Avenues for Youth, we partner with youth experiencing homelessness to help them achieve housing stability and build pathways to independence. Through a social justice lens, we provide safe, affirming spaces where young people can define their futures and thrive.

Position Overview

The Youth Support Specialist provides direct support to youth in a structured, safe, and supportive environment. This role focuses on building positive relationships, supporting daily routines, and helping youth develop the skills needed for long-term stability and independence. This is a fully onsite, hands-on role working closely with youth.

Schedule

Wednesday to Sunday - 7 days on and 7 days off. 10:30 pm-7:30 am

Compensation

Pay range: $20.77 – $22.50/hour

Primary Responsibilities

Youth Engagement & Support

• Build positive, professional relationships with youth
• Provide mentoring and support with routines, meals, and independent living skills
• De-escalate conflicts and maintain a safe environment
• Support youth in developing life skills and daily structure
• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Program Operation

• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Communication & Documentation

• Complete documentation accurately and promptly
• Provide clear shift updates to team members 
• Maintain professional communication with staff and leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Experience working with youth or in human services preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an onsite role requiring standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Health insurance available
• Employer-paid dental, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Staff appreciation events

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Location: Minneapolis Avenues (Onsite)

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Our Mission

At Avenues for Youth, we partner with youth experiencing homelessness to help them achieve housing stability and build pathways to independence. Through a social justice lens, we provide safe, affirming spaces where young people can define their futures and thrive.

Position Overview

The Youth Support Specialist provides direct support to youth in a structured, safe, and supportive environment. This role focuses on building positive relationships, supporting daily routines, and helping youth develop the skills needed for long-term stability and independence. This is a fully onsite, hands-on role working closely with youth.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Compensation

Pay range: $20.77 – $22.50/hour

Primary Responsibilities

Youth Engagement & Support

• Build positive, professional relationships with youth
• Provide mentoring and support with routines, meals, and independent living skills
• De-escalate conflicts and maintain a safe environment
• Support youth in developing life skills and daily structure
• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Program Operation

• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Complete room checks and follow shift expectations
• Answer phones and manage building access
• Support daily operations and program routines
• Encourage youth participation in chores and community expectations

Communication & Documentation

• Complete documentation accurately and promptly
• Provide clear shift updates to team members 
• Maintain professional communication with staff and leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Experience working with youth or in human services preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be at least 24 years of age

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an onsite role requiring standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Health insurance available
• Employer-paid dental, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Staff appreciation events

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Department: Operations

Primary Location: Minneapolis Avenues

Reports To: Associate Executive Director

Employment Status: Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Core Schedule: 40 hours/week, Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 remote)

Pay Range: $67,500 – $73,500 per year

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

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.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

OVERVIEW

This role keeps Avenues for Youth’s HR operations running smoothly, focusing on supporting about 50+ full- and part-time staff working across our programs. The Human Resources Generalist provides reliable day-to-day support for staff and managers, helps maintain established HR processes, and serves as the point person for practical HR problem-solving.

Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Support managers with recruitment, job postings, candidate screening, and background checks. 
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation for new hires.
• Keep job descriptions and staff lists organized and current. 

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Main contact for staff and managers regarding HR policies, general questions, and problem-solving
• Guide and support managers in handling disciplinary actions and terminations in line with policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow HR policies for employee matters. 

Compliance, Policies & Records 

• Understand and work in line with all federal and state labor laws and requirements. 
• Keep established HR policies and handbook up to date, focusing on practical, regular improvement.
• Assist with agency training and compliance reporting.
• Maintain accurate digital personnel and HR records. 

Performance Management & Staff Development 

• Distribute, collect, and track annual performance reviews for all staff at year-end. 
• Offer clear guidance to managers and staff on completing review forms, encouraging fair, thoughtful, and specific feedback.
• Promote ongoing performance conversations and reinforce the importance of regular feedback
• Provide resources for workplace practices and staff development. 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Process bi-weekly payroll and manage benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment and communications with benefit brokers. 
• Address payroll and benefit questions and ensure all processes are completed accurately and on time
• Conduct exit interviews and support staff with post-employment benefit transitions
• Respond to unemployment and workers’ comp claims. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Minimum 4 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in nonprofits. 
• Knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and best practices. 

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Technical & Analytical

• Strong skills in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to gather and analyze data for decision support.
• Strong writing, verbal, and presentation skills.

Interpersonal & Professional

• Welcoming communicator, able to work well with staff and managers.
• Practice good judgment, professionalism, and adaptability.
• Understanding power, privilege, and systems of oppression as they relate to the workplace.
• Sensitivity to the needs of youth experiencing homelessness.

Organizational & Confidentiality

• Able to manage multiple tasks, work independently and cross-functionally, and adapt quickly.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of personnel, financial, legal, and program participant information.

Background Check

All Avenues for Youth employees must pass a background check, including a Minnesota 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 this position.