Youth Advocate

Who We Are

HOPE 4 Youth is a nonprofit organization firmly rooted in the goal of ending youth homelessness. Our mission is to provide pathways to end youth homelessness. Our vision is to ensure all youth feel safe, valued, and supported while reaching their full potential. This begins with meeting their basic needs and leads to giving them the tools to thrive. HOPE 4 Youth provides a safe place for youth to access basic needs support, educational and employment programs and opportunities, and transitional housing options. We believe in the power of a youth’s potential and work with the community to improve the challenges unhoused youth face.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

A career with HOPE 4 Youth is an opportunity to merge your talents and personal values with the desire to make a difference in our community. We need talented and passionate team members to support our mission to provide pathways to end youth homelessness. Our core values are: resourceful, accountable, inclusive, hopeful, and compassionate. As a HOPE 4 Youth employee, you will work in an environment that encourages teamwork and values the talents and perspectives of every contributor. We recognize how our organization is enhanced when we unite people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Wages

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on qualifications and level of experience

Benefits

• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
• H4Y sponsors a retirement plan with a 3% employer match and immediate vesting

Because HOPE 4 Youth is a member with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) who partners with St. Mary’s University, HOPE 4 Youth employees and their spouses are also eligible for the following benefits at St. Mary’s University:

• Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)

Schedule

This is a regular, part-time position that will work 19 hours per week.

Job Summary

HOPE 4 Youth is hiring a Youth Advocate to provide trauma‑informed, youth‑centered support at the HOPE 4 Youth Center by completing intakes, documenting services, and connecting young people to community referrals and essential resources.

Responsibilities

• Welcome all individuals to the Center, ensuring interactions are client-centered, harm-reduction focused, trauma‑informed and strength‑
• Facilitate new youth intakes by reviewing the Youth Community Agreement, assisting with required paperwork, connecting youth to basic‑needs services, and providing a guided Center tour.
• Participate as a collaborative team member to support the smooth and effective flow of basic‑needs services for youth.
• Work with Youth Coordinators to provide referrals and connect youth to appropriate community resources and services
• Offer logistical and operational support for the planning and execution of youth groups and special events.
• Uphold the Youth Community Agreement to ensure a safe, consistent, and supportive environment for all.
• Check in with Center Support Staff regularly to receive guidance on tasks, daily priorities, and Center operations.
• Record and maintain accurate documentation of all services utilized by youth, including basic‑needs services, case notes, and case‑management hours.
• Provide phone support by answering calls and directing them to the appropriate staff or resources.

What You Bring

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in social work, human services, or a related field—through education and/or professional experience (preferred).
• Previous experience working with Youth ages 16-24 is preferred.
• The ability to work effectively in a diverse, mission-driven agency committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual-orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Previous experience with database management platforms is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Dependability with the ability to exercise good judgement and use discretion in dealing with confidential information.
• The ability to maintain positive, healthy relationships with co-workers as a team player.
• The ability to take initiative, multi-task, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and the ability to meet H4Y’s driving record requirements. Please note that if the license was not issued in the state of Minnesota, you have 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident in which to apply for your Minnesota driver's license or permit.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, criminal history (justice-impacted status), housing or homelessness status, height, or weight.

Our organization has a partnership with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) to provide administrative services including management of the hiring process. If you apply for this position, you may see references to MACC in some online materials.

HOPE 4 Youth participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. See E-Verify’s official poster at See E-Verify’s Right to Work poster at