Lead Overnight Youth Support Specialist

Avenues for Youth•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
Strong relationship-building skills with youth and colleagues
Ability to de-escalate conflict calmly and respectfully
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Maintains confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and follow-through
Models respectful and ethical behavior at all times
Responds flexibly to changing situations and youth needs
Uses sound judgment to resolve challenges
Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and growth
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
All employees must successfully pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study
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.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or lead experience preferred
Lived experience and transferable skills are welcomed and valued

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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