Youth Support Centre Manager (Safety & Stabilization)

Youth Empowerment & Support Services

3d•Onsite

About The Position

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15–24. We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, or related field (or equivalent experience) is an asset
2–5+ years of leadership experience in a youth-serving or high-acuity environment
Experience supervising staff in: Shelter or housing programs, Crisis environments, Youth or social services
Strong knowledge of: Trauma-informed care, Crisis intervention and de-escalation, Youth homelessness, mental health, and addictions
Experience with scheduling, staffing models, and workforce coordination
Experience with program delivery, documentation standards, and compliance
Valid First Aid Certificate completed within the last twelve months
Clear police clearance (PIC) and Child Intervention (CIRC) check (within six months)
Valid Alberta class 5 or higher driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
$1 million PLPD Personal Liability Protection

Nice To Haves

Suicide intervention, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and crisis intervention training are assets

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to Team Leads and frontline staff
Set clear expectations for staff performance, accountability, and service standards
Conduct regular one-on-one supervision, performance reviews, and probation evaluations
Provide real-time coaching and support during shifts, including crisis situations
Identify staff training needs and coordinate or deliver targeted training
Support staff well-being, resilience, and professional development
Foster a positive, high-performance, trauma-informed team culture
Develop and oversee staff schedules to ensure 24/7 coverage and operational stability
Manage staffing levels, shift coverage, and real-time adjustments based on program needs
Approve and monitor overtime, vacation, and leave requests
Implement escalation protocols for staffing shortages
Oversee daily operations of shelter and stabilization services, including: Intake and admissions, Crisis response and de-escalation, Youth flow and program access
Ensure services are delivered in a consistent, trauma-informed, and relationship-based manner
Maintain a safe, structured, and predictable environment for youth
Monitor service quality across shifts and intervene when standards are not met
Ensure intake processes are completed consistently and aligned with service standards
Oversee quality and flow of youth admissions and initial assessments
Ensure strong coordination with Wellness and Food programs
Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF)
Monitor documentation quality, incident reports, and case notes
Implement continuous improvement strategies to strengthen service delivery
Ensure compliance with safety, privacy (FOIP), and regulatory requirements
Oversee the consistent and accurate collection of program data across all shifts
Ensure all intake forms, assessments, and documentation are completed thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner
Review and evaluate intake forms completed by Youth Workers to ensure quality, consistency, and appropriate service planning
Ensure intake data is used to: Inform immediate service decisions, Support youth safety and stabilization planning, Guide transitions to Wellness and other programs
Monitor documentation standards across staff, including: Case notes, Incident reports, Daily logs
Provide coaching and feedback to staff to improve documentation quality and accuracy
Track key trends from intake and service data, including: Volume and acuity of youth, Risk factors and presenting issues, Service utilization patterns
Provide leadership during high-risk situations and critical incidents
Support staff in de-escalation, safety planning, and decision-making
Ensure building safety practices, inspections, and emergency procedures are followed
Monitor incident trends and implement prevention strategies
Support and coach Team Leads as primary shift leaders
Ensure Team Leads: Lead shifts effectively, Manage crisis flow and youth movement, Maintain documentation standards, Act as escalation point for complex situations
Strengthen Team Lead leadership capacity and accountability
Collaborate with Wellness, Diversion, Transition, and Food Program teams
Ensure smooth transitions for youth between programs
Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning
Build relationships with internal and external partners as needed
Ensure accurate and timely reporting on program activities, incidents, and outcomes
Contribute to organizational planning, audits, and accreditation processes
Represent YESS professionally with partners and stakeholders
Other Duties as Assigned