Youth Advocate-Weekend Overnights

Open Doors for Youth- Youth Advocate - Weekends - Overnights

Organization Summary

Open Doors for Youth is a small vibrant nonprofit in Central Minnesota that serves youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Weoperatea drop-in center in Elk River, MN, and provide outreach to area high schools and surrounding communities. Our reach spans many miles across communities surrounding Elk River. Open Doors for Youth servesapproximately 85-90individual youth per year.

We place a high value on authenticity, connection, and belonging across the organization.

In July 2026, Open Doors for Youth opened a new transitional housing program in Elk River, for young adults ages 18-24. The house can have up to 4 residents.

Job Summary

TheYouth AdvocatesupportsOpen Doors for Youth Transitional Housing Programand residents living in the home.This position reports directly to the Housing Directorand Site Manager.

Key Skills/Experience Needed:

• Acceptance of and respect for a diverse population, including BIPOC and LGBTQIAP+ youth

• Knowledge of and experience using a trauma-responsive approach, including de-escalation, co-regulation, and harm reduction

• Ability to develop trusting, consistent, supportive relationships with youth whilemaintainingprofessional boundaries

• Understanding that youth work is nuanced and requires a flexible and non-judgmental approach

• Willingness to engage authentically with team members

• Maintaina high levelof personal integrity and confidentiality

• Excellent time management skills, organizational skills; self-motivated and detail oriented

Job Responsibilities

Programing

• Oversee the daily operations of all housing programs and services to ensure effectiveness and alignment with the ODFY mission and goals.

• Supportyouthwithestablishedgoalsand action steps outlined in the Independent Living Plan/Transitional Services Plan.

• Support the daily routine, supervise chores, aid in meal planning and preparation,aidwith lightcleaning,and other household tasks asindicated.

• Complete housekeeping tasks throughout your shift, this includes tasks such as- laundry, meal prep, general cleaning/upkeep in the main living areas

• Ensure all doors/windows are locked at the start and end of your shift

• Complete safety checks at the start of your shift and ensure any/all sharps are accounted for

Policy and Procedure Implementation

• Provide supervision of program residents on-site at House
• Follow rules/protocolsestablishedinthe ResidentHandbook

Compliance and Regulation

• Ensure compliance with regulations, including case note documentation, safety planning, room checks, etc.
• Monitor security system at the house

Resident Relations

• In partnership with other staff, handle resident complaints and conflict resolution

• Ensure a supportive and inclusive community atmosphere

• Provide crisis intervention as needed;assistin household disputes and conflict resolution between residentsin order tofoster a safe, positive living environment.

• Engage youth in positive peer relations, group building, recreational and leisure timeactivitiesandoutings.

Community Coordination

• Build andmaintainpartnerships with other organizations with housing programs

• Participate in staffmeetingto discuss ODFY participants and provide progress updates; attend Open Doors for Youth staff and program meetings, quarterly reviews and other trainings asindicated.

• Coordinate with Site Manager on potential outing for residents at the house

• High School or Equivalent
• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, or experience working with youth who face other barriers or discrimination
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, data management and general computer usage
• Valid driver’s license and insurance
• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old
• Authorized to work in the United States

• Hours per week: 16 hours/week
• Schedule: weekends-Friday and Saturday 10:30pm-6:30am
• Payrate: $20-$22/hour
• Benefits include paid holidays, annual wellness benefit, IRA contribution
• Holiday pay rate for days worked on holidays

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume to:

Cindy Ley, Executive Director

cindyl@opendoorsforyouth.org