YOUTH ADVOCATE

YOUTH ADVOCATE

Open Doors for Youth

• Elk River, MN Minnesota NonProfits
• May 14, 2026 Open Doors for Youth
• Youth Advocate
• Weekends 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.

We operate a 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 serves approximately 85-90 individual youth per year. We place a high value on authenticity, connection, and belonging across the organization. In July 2026, Open Doors for Youth will open a new transitional housing program in Elk River, for young adults ages 18-24. The house will have up to 4 residents. The position of Youth Advocate will be a newly created position for the organization. Job Summary The Youth Advocate supports Open Doors for Youth Transitional Housing Program and residents living in the home . This position reports directly to the Housing Director and 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 while maintaining professional boundaries
• Understanding that youth work is nuanced and requires a flexible and non-judgmental approach
• Willingness to engage authentically with team members
• Maintain a high level of 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.

Support youth with establish ed goals and action steps outlined in the Independent Living Plan/Transitional Services Plan . Support the daily routine, supervise chores, aid in meal planning and preparation, aid with light cleaning, and other household tasks as indicated . Complete housekeeping tasks throughout your shift, this includes tasks such as

• laundry, meal prepping, 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/protocols established in the Resident Handbook 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; assist in household disputes and conflict resolution between residents in order to foster a safe, positive living environment. Engage youth in positive peer relations, group building, recreational and leisure time activities and outings. Community Coordination Build and maintain partnerships with other organizations with housing programs Participate in staff meeting to discuss ODFY participants and provide progress updates; attend Open Doors for Youth staff and program meetings, quarterly reviews and other trainings as indicated . Coordinate with Site Manager on potential outing for residents at the house Qualifications

• BA /BS ( social work , education, or related field preferred) , or 2-year degree in human services, or extensive experience in lieu of degree .
• 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 Pay and Benefits
• Hours per week: 16 hours/week

• Schedule:

  weekends 3pm
• 11pm

• Payrate:

  $20
• 22/hour
• Benefits include paid holidays, annual wellness benefit, IRA contribution
• Holiday pay rate for days worked on holidays How to

Apply:

Mail or email cover letter and resume to: Open Doors for

Youth Attn:

Cindy Ley 554 3 rd St. NW Suite 201 Elk River, MN 55330 cindyl@opendoorsforyouth.org

Job Information Job Category:

Direct Service /

Social Service Salary:

$20.00

• $22.

00

Per Hour Education:

High School or Equivalent Experience:

Less than 2 years

Position Type:

Part Time

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Job Id:

6835652852

Job URL:

https://jobs.minnesotanonprofits.org/job/youth-advocate-elk-river-minnesota-108181

Job State:

MN

Job Lat:

45.33219909667969

Job Lng:

• 93.

56649780273438

Job County:

Sherburne County

Job Education:

Bachelor's degree

Job Skills:

Security monitoring

Job Hash:

4356450059