Drop-In Manager

AYA Core Values:

Take Agency - Be Authentic - Create Healthy Community - Foster Inclusion

Position Summary:

• The Manager of the Drop-In Center will lead and oversee daily operations, staff, and programming for a center serving youth in crisis ages 14–24. This role is critical in providing a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed space where youth can access immediate support, basic needs, and long-term resources. The Manager will ensure the center operates efficiently, complies with all policies and procedures, and meets the needs of youth in a way that fosters trust, resilience, and empowerment.

What you'll be doing in this role:

1. Lead, Manage and Hold Accountable 

• Set and communicate goals in alignment with the overall objectives of AYA Youth Collective.


• Provide macro-level oversight for growth and expansion, emphasizing big-picture strategies.


• Ensure effective communication and performance of direct reports through consistent task management and meeting cadence. 

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, providing resources and training to enable staff to excel.
  
  

2. Create Safe & Stable Environment

• Ensure that AYA's environment fosters belonging while being welcoming, inclusive and safe for members, staff, volunteers, community partners and donors.


• Build meaningful and trusting relationships with youth as the expert in their own lives and empower them to set their own goals and recognize their own strengths.


• Model and promote AYA's philosophy of care, which includes Positive Youth Development, Trauma Informed Care and Harm Reduction.


• Quickly assess, recognize and intervene in possible safety compromises, difficult conversations and escalating behaviors.


• Grow relationships with community partners and employers, advocating and facilitating warm connections to assist youth in achieving their goals.

3. Service Delivery

• Supervise Youth Advocates in Case Management and supporting youth navigating complex community systems in recovering vital documents, improve health and wellness outcomes and education, employment and housing status.


• Oversee flow and day to day of Drop In (member engagement, community engagement, staff support, and observe building maintenance needs).

• Model excellent communication skills by keeping members, staff, and volunteers up to date of events and opportunities.
  
  

4. Drop In Facility Management

• Supervise and support a team of youth advocates, case managers, and volunteers.


• Provide ongoing training and professional development for staff on trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and best practices for working with youth in crisis.


• Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture that prioritizes the well-being of both staff and youth.


• Manage the drop-in center’s budget, tracking expenses and resource needs.


• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and maintain accurate records for funding reports.


• Oversee facility maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed.

We expect you to bring…

• A degree in human services and/or experience in youth development.


• Pass all required background checks


• Comply with the agency’s written policies and procedures


• Minimum 2 years Experience managing a complex team of 3 or more individuals


• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent interaction with youth experiencing trauma, homelessness, or other crises.


• Demonstrated ability in being able to de-escalate highly energetic situations 


• Minimum of 2 years Case Management experience


• Flexibility for non-traditional work hours (evenings and weekends)


• Ability to work in all weather conditions


• Ability to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10-20 pounds frequently and 3+ hours of consistent movement.


• Dedication to teamwork, professional development and overall excellence


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.


• Support other initiatives, strategies and duties as assigned by AYA Leadership

Bonus points if you have…

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ youth populations


• Lived experience and/or an understanding of youth homelessness, trauma and/or mental health/substance use concerns and knowledge of de-escalation techniques


• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, youth development, and crisis intervention techniques.


• Excellent leadership and team management skills.


• Ability to handle high-stress situations with professionalism and composure.


• Proficient in Google Chrome and data management software.


• Availability for professional development activities and community events outside of regular work hours.


• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).


• De-escalation and crisis intervention training certification preferred.

Some perks for working at AYA:

• Health insurance (covered 75% for you & dependents) + HSA


• Dental, vision, life insurance, disability benefits offered


• Simple IRA with 3% employer match


• Healthy PTO program + Company-wide wellness week


• Annual personal wellness stipend


• Monthly coffee & conversations team building


• Staff retreat opportunities
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employment:

AYA Youth Collective is an equal opportunity employer who strongly desires to build a team that accurately represents the diversity of our target population. We embrace differences in race, color, nationality, religion/culture, gender identity/expression, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, military status, or ability.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AYA, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.