Youth & Family Advocacy Specialist

Youth & Family Advocacy Specialist

Our Mission:
Cornerstone disrupts violence through advocacy, support, and prevention.  We partner with individuals, families, and organizations to build communities free from harm.
 
Our Core Values: * Survivor- Centered * Social Justice * Well-Being * Collaboration * Integrity

Summary of Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at .

Diversity and Inclusion:   
We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay Range: $21.00-22.30
Unionized Position:  Yes

Job Summary:
The Youth & Family Program Specialist provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy and supportive services to children, youth, and families accessing Cornerstone Advocacy Service's Emergency Shelter and Housing Programs. This role serves as a bridge between Shelter and Housing Programs by coordinating youth programming, providing family advocacy, and creating opportunities for children and youth to thrive in both shelter and permanent housing settings.

This role supports children ages 3 to 16 years while also providing survivor-centered advocacy to adults, enabling families to safely access critical programming, services, and crisis support.  

Responsibilities include facilitating on-site and community-based youth activities, supporting after-school programming, transporting youth to approved community events and activities, and collaborating with advocates to ensure holistic, family-centered services.

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday. Core hours are 9am-5pm. This position includes days, overseeing youth and family programming, at least one evening each month, and occasional holidays as needed. Services are provided in office and/or community spaces.

Essential Functions
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Youth & Family Advocacy

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource navigation to children, youth, and caregivers while supporting individualized family goals.
• Coach and support caregivers through education, parenting resources, school engagement, and referrals that strengthen family stability.
• Participate in team meetings, cross-training, onboarding, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Youth Programming & Engagement

• Plan and facilitate engaging youth programming, including after-school activities, life skills, educational enrichment, and recreational opportunities for children and teens.
• Oversee evening youth programming at least once per month and assist with seasonal events, school break programming, and family engagement activities.
• Coordinate and transport youth to approved community events, educational opportunities, volunteer activities, and partner programs.
• Create safe, welcoming, and organized youth spaces while maintaining program supplies and fostering positive youth development.

Emergency Shelter Support

• Support Emergency Shelter operations through participant intakes, orientations, crisis response, shelter coverage, and coordination of basic needs services.
• Respond to crisis line calls, walk-in participants, and community referrals while providing survivor-centered advocacy and resource navigation.
• Collaborate with Shelter and Housing staff to ensure seamless participant transitions and continuity of services across programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and program procedures.

Program Coordination & Community Partnerships

• Coordinate youth programming calendars in collaboration with Shelter Coordinator, special events, volunteers, interns, and community partnerships that enhance services for children and families.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, recreational programs, and other partners to connect youth with educational, enrichment, and leadership opportunities.
• Track program participation, outcomes, and feedback to support continuous quality improvement and grant reporting.

Preferred Experience & Skillsets
Minimum 2 years of experience in domestic violence support or housing advocacy (or equivalent). Knowledge of survivor dynamics, trauma, housing programs, tenant rights, and public benefits. Strong advocacy, crisis intervention, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks independently while maintaining boundaries. Experience with diverse communities and anti-oppression work; bilingual/multilingual and a relevant bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Provide direct services and advocacy to survivors using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach; understand the link between domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills; ability to work independently or collaboratively; fluency in another language a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and web-based applications; committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Adhere to agency values (harm-reduction, housing-first, trauma-informed, client-centered approaches); valid driver’s license, insurance, reliable vehicle, and ability to pass a background check required.

Physical Requirements:
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 accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. 

 

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Free virtual mental health counseling (for all employees + their families)
• Free telemedicine (for employees + enrolled family members)
• 401(k) after 90 days + up to 4% employer match after 1 year
• Paid parental leave after 1 year of service
• Medical, dental & vision (eligible first month after 30 days)
• HSA & FSA options
• Free basic life & AD&D insurance
• Free long-term disability
• Voluntary short-term disability
• Generous PTO: 168 hours to start (increases after 24 months)
• 11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays
• Paid birthday off

EEO Statement:
Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.