Youth Specialist - Dignity House (Full-Time, 3PM-11PM)

The Link•Crystal, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Specialist works at The Link’s Dignity House emergency shelter for minors in Crystal, Minnesota. The role is responsible for the safety, supervision, and security of youth and the facility, responding to crisis calls, conducting intakes, and helping maintain a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. The position also supports youth through case management and service coordination as needed, while maintaining clear communication and accurate participant records. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position scheduled Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The hiring salary range is $20.13–$23.00 per hour, based on qualifications. Employees of children’s residential facilities must be at least 21 years old under the cited Minnesota administrative rule. The role requires driving on behalf of The Link. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, the specified personal auto insurance coverage, and the ability to pass criminal and motor vehicle background checks. The job offer is contingent on meeting these driving requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old under the cited Minnesota State Administrative Rule for employees of children’s residential facilities.
Valid driver’s license, safe and reliable vehicle, and personal auto insurance coverage of $100,000 bodily injury per person and $300,000 bodily injury per accident.
Ability to successfully pass criminal and motor vehicle background checks.
Consistent, regular attendance.
Ability to protect and maintain confidentiality and data privacy, with a high level of personal and professional integrity.
Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy.
Ability to work independently and efficiently organize, coordinate, track, and complete multiple tasks while adjusting to changing priorities.
Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Experience providing comprehensive and holistic supportive services to young people.
Training in youth development, harm reduction, and/or trauma-informed care.
Knowledge of issues related to minor sex trafficking and gender-based violence, comprehensive programming, child welfare, and court systems.
Proven experience providing one-to-one and group supports and/or programming in a shelter or other youth setting.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of best practices such as trauma-informed care, strengths-based approaches, harm reduction, and positive youth development.
Knowledge of advocacy toward girls’ and women’s rights, gender-based violence, and/or the commercial sexual exploitation of minors.
Creative ability to engage a diverse range of needs and learning styles.
High level of attention to detail.
Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

Provide high-level supervision of youth and the facility to ensure safety and security for youth, staff, and the community.
Consistently and fairly enforce shelter policies.
Interact with police and child welfare when youth are dropped off, supporting a smooth transition.
Develop nurturing relationships with youth while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
Conduct full intakes with youth entering the shelter.
Assist with case management and coordination of services when necessary.
Operate the phone, security, and staffing area to maintain a safe and secure program.
Communicate clearly and daily with the Program Manager and team members to support consistent services.
Clean shelter spaces regularly, including doing laundry.
Complete progress and case notes and maintain participant records.
Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed.
Create and maintain a warm, welcoming, and supportive community and culture for all youth.
Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency and demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission, vision, and equity, diversity, and inclusion values.
Support agency growth, maintain positive relationships with coworkers and related parties, and assist as needed as a team member.
Help create a safe, respectful, and healthy environment where everyone can grow and learn.
Participate in special projects as necessary and attend required meetings and trainings.
Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, coworkers, and other involved parties.
Perform other duties as assigned.