Youth Advocate

Youth Advocate

Full Time Non‑Management
St. Cloud Youth Shelter, St Cloud, MN, US

4 days ago | Requisition

Salary Range: $19.84 – $26.46 hourly

Sign on Bonus: $600 (Half paid at 3 months and half at 12 months) for eligible employees.

• Sign on Bonus of $600 (Half paid at 3 months and other half at 12 months)
• Paid time off (PTO) starting at 18 days annually for benefit‑eligible employees; sick and safe time for non‑benefit‑eligible employees
• Medical, Dental, FSA & HSA options
• Life, STD, LTD insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) company match up to 4%
• 12 paid company holidays

Be the steady presence a young person needs. 180 Degrees believes every young person deserves a safe place to land, offering shelter and stabilization for 12‑19‑year‑old youth facing homelessness, family conflict, exploitation or involvement with child welfare, probation, or law enforcement.

As a Youth Advocate, you are the heartbeat of our shelter program, the consistent, caring adult who shows up every shift and makes safety feel real. You are in the milieu, building trust, modeling life skills, de‑escalating tough moments, and reminding teens in crisis that someone has their back, all while working alongside case managers and support staff dedicated to helping youth stabilize, heal, and move forward.

We are hiring for day shift (7:30 am – 3:30 pm, every other weekend) and night shift (10 pm – 8 am, every other weekend).

• Be a stabilizing, trustworthy presence for youth navigating trauma, instability, and uncertainty
• Build genuine relationships that help youth feel seen, safe, and supported
• Manage the day‑to‑day rhythm of the shelter: milieu management, structure, and support
• Step in with calm, skilled de‑escalation when emotions increase
• Help with daily living needs, because healing starts with the basics
• Support medication management, ensuring youth stay safe and on track with their health needs
• Collaborate closely with a team of Youth Advocates, case managers, and support staff to create a consistent, unified experience for every young person in shelter
• Support case‑management goals and keep solid documentation by providing direct impact to the youth

• 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required; ability to drive company vehicle without restrictions
• Ability to pass a criminal background study
• Experience working with youth preferred
• 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 for safety checks
• Physical requirements for kitchen and meal preparation duties and 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

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer, walk, stand, and go up and down stairs.

This is an on‑site, awake position at our recently renovated emergency youth shelter in St. Cloud.

180 Degrees is an exceptional non‑profit organization, founded over 50 years ago, recognized for piloting innovative solutions to address challenges of homelessness, sexual exploitation, poverty and incarceration. With program sites around the state, 180 Degrees continues to expand its portfolio of programs and services now impacting the lives of over 2,000 youth and adults each year.

180 Degrees, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

180 Degrees’ intention is for our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We actively encourage women, people of color, differently abled, and other diverse candidates to apply for open positions.

Day shift: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, every other weekend, 40 hours/week.
Night shift: 10 pm – 8 am, every other weekend, 40 hours/week.