Youth Support Specialist - School & Street Outreach

YMCA Twin Cities - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Entry Level

Minneapolis, MN

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

We are seeking two dedicated and passionate individuals to join our outreach team in supporting youth and young adults in both school and street settings. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for building connections with youth through street and school outreach, collaborating with school social workers, and distributing essential resources such as gift cards, food, transportation assistance, and access to critical documents like permits, driver's licenses, and birth certificates. Excellent benefits package with this fulltime, weekday role starting at $21/hr. YMCA Outreach Teams support youth and families facing homelessness, eviction, unemployment, and systemic challenges by connecting them to life-saving resources and comprehensive services. As part of our youth outreach team, you will conduct intake assessments, helping individuals get connected to housing resources and basic life coaching. You will play a key role in providing immediate support to those in need, passing out food and other basic necessities on the streets, and assisting youth with their day-to-day challenges.

Responsibilities

• Engage with youth through street and school outreach.
• Build relationships with social workers and partner agencies.
• Distribute food, gas, and other resources to those in need.
• Assist with obtaining vital documents (permits, IDs, birth certificates).
• Conduct intake assessments and connect youth with housing resources.
• Offer basic life coaching and support with immediate needs.
• Verify the family and/or participant's eligible status and assist in completing the FWI.
• Assist in providing connections to resources in the community and to the Resettlement Network.
• Help with connection to Resettlement Network partners and refer participants to Family Assisters.
• Facilitate connections for school-aged youth including after-school activities.
• Assist families to read mail, understand bills, and details of these.
• Assist with applications for local opportunities for youth and families.
• Connect refugee families with appropriate social groups and activities.
• Provide information about community events and recreational activities.
• Follow-up with participants to ensure effective outcomes of assistance provided.
• Progress data entered MRIS as needed.
• May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.
• Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field (Human Services, Social Work, Youth Development) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in youth development, preferably including case management.
• Demonstrated professionalism in time management and communication.
• Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.
• Must be able to work in an independent and self-directed manner.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel).
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification within the first 30 days of employment.
• Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.

Nice-to-haves

• Multilingual skills.
• Prior fundraising experience.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling available.
• Wide range of benefits and earned time off depending on part-time or full-time status.