Youth Advocate

180 Degrees Inc•Chanhassen, MN

58d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

180 Degrees’ youth shelters provide short-term, crisis-based shelter and stabilization for young people ages 12–19 who are experiencing homelessness, running away, family conflict, exploitation, or involvement with child welfare, juvenile probation, or law enforcement. Many youth entering shelter have experienced trauma, instability, and disrupted relationships and require a safe, structured, and supportive environment during a critical time. The Youth Advocate is a direct care role and the primary point of daily engagement with youth in shelter. Youth Advocates create safety, stability, and connection through consistent presence, relationship-building, supervision, and skill modeling. This role involves high levels of youth interaction, relationship building, milieu management, de-escalation, and daily living assistance, while supporting case management goals and maintaining accurate documentation. Youth Advocates do not provide clinical services and do not carry caseloads, but play a vital role in supporting youth healing, growth, and stabilization through day-to-day interactions. This position does not have direct reports. All Youth Advocate shifts are awake.

Requirements

21 years of age.
Ability to pass a criminal background study.
Must be able to lift, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and use flights of stairs.
Must be able to walk regularly and frequently, including ascending and descending flights of stairs, to conduct safety checks.
Lifting and physical requirements as required for kitchen and meal preparation duties; and as required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to build rapport with youth while maintaining boundaries.
De-escalation, crisis response, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Strong observational and communication skills.
Basic food preparation skills.
Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic documentation.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license preferred.
Experience working with youth preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain active, consistent engagement with youth throughout the shift to support safety, connection, and positive peer interactions.
Create a calm, predictable, and supportive milieu through presence, modeling, and respectful communication.
Build trusting, professional relationships with youth through listening, encouragement, and mentorship.
Model healthy boundaries, communication, conflict resolution, and coping strategies.
Participate in recreational, educational, and group activities with youth as appropriate.
Actively participates in milieu management with treatment team collaboration.
Interact with clients whenever possible.
Maintain high situational awareness and intervene early to de-escalate conflict or distress using trauma-responsive approaches.
Conduct required safety checks, room checks, and bed checks, including overnight visual observations.
Respond to crises, emergencies, or safety concerns in accordance with training and program policy.
Ensure youth safety during daily routines, transitions, and activities.
Youth Advocate shifts are awake at all times.
Support youth with daily routines such as meals, chores, hygiene, schedules, and transitions.
Assist with meal preparation and promote healthy eating habits.
Support youth in understanding and following house expectations in a clear, consistent, and respectful manner.
Provide orientation to new youth, including checking in personal property and completing luggage searches per policy.
Transport youth as needed for school, appointments, intakes, or other approved activities.
Assist with medication administration in accordance with training, program policy, and licensing requirements.
Accurately complete required Medication Administration Records (MARs).
Observe youth for medication effects or concerns and report issues to on-call leadership as required.
Support youth access to medical, mental health, or chemical health services as directed.
Complete timely, accurate, and factual documentation in Power180 and other required systems.
Document youth interactions, observations, incidents, safety checks, and shift notes.
Communicate relevant information to teammates during shift changes to ensure continuity of care.
Share observations with Case Managers and supervisors to support case planning and follow-up.
Work collaboratively with other Youth Advocates, Case Managers, and program staff.
Attend staff meetings, shift change reports, and complete required trainings.
Follow all agency policies, licensing requirements (MN Rules 2960), and safety procedures.
Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
Perform other duties as assigned