What We Do

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15–24.

We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.

What You Will Do

The Safety & Stabilization Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, staff management, and operational excellence of YESS’ Safety and Stabilization programs. This role ensures that all services are delivered safely, consistently, and at a high standard, providing youth with immediate stability, structure, and relationship-based support.

The Manager leads frontline teams through coaching, supervision, scheduling, and performance management while maintaining strong oversight of service delivery, crisis response, and program quality. This role is highly operational, embedded in daily service delivery, and accountable for ensuring staff are supported, services are consistent, and youth experience safe, high-quality care.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership, Supervision & Coaching (Core Focus)

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to Team Leads and frontline staff
• Set clear expectations for staff performance, accountability, and service standards
• Conduct regular one-on-one supervision, performance reviews, and probation evaluations
• Provide real-time coaching and support during shifts, including crisis situations
• Identify staff training needs and coordinate or deliver targeted training
• Support staff well-being, resilience, and professional development
• Foster a positive, high-performance, trauma-informed team culture

Scheduling & Workforce Management

• Develop and oversee staff schedules to ensure 24/7 coverage and operational stability
• Manage staffing levels, shift coverage, and real-time adjustments based on program needs
• Approve and monitor overtime, vacation, and leave requests
• Implement escalation protocols for staffing shortages

Service Delivery & Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations of shelter and stabilization services, including:
  • Intake and admissions
  • Crisis response and de-escalation
  • Youth flow and program access
• Ensure services are delivered in a consistent, trauma-informed, and relationship-based manner
• Maintain a safe, structured, and predictable environment for youth
• Monitor service quality across shifts and intervene when standards are not met
• Ensure intake processes are completed consistently and aligned with service standards
• Oversee quality and flow of youth admissions and initial assessments
• Ensure strong coordination with Wellness and Food programs

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF)
• Monitor documentation quality, incident reports, and case notes
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to strengthen service delivery
• Ensure compliance with safety, privacy (FOIP), and regulatory requirements

Data Collection, Intake Review & Documentation Oversight

• Oversee the consistent and accurate collection of program data across all shifts
• Ensure all intake forms, assessments, and documentation are completed thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner
• Review and evaluate intake forms completed by Youth Workers to ensure quality, consistency, and appropriate service planning
• Ensure intake data is used to:
  • Inform immediate service decisions
  • Support youth safety and stabilization planning
  • Guide transitions to Wellness and other programs
• Monitor documentation standards across staff, including:
  • Case notes
  • Incident reports
  • Daily logs
• Provide coaching and feedback to staff to improve documentation quality and accuracy
• Track key trends from intake and service data, including:
  • Volume and acuity of youth
  • Risk factors and presenting issues
  • Service utilization patterns

Crisis Management & Safety Oversight

• Provide leadership during high-risk situations and critical incidents
• Support staff in de-escalation, safety planning, and decision-making
• Ensure building safety practices, inspections, and emergency procedures are followed
• Monitor incident trends and implement prevention strategies

Team Lead Oversight & Shift Leadership Model

• Support and coach Team Leads as primary shift leaders
• Ensure Team Leads:
  • Lead shifts effectively
  • Manage crisis flow and youth movement
  • Maintain documentation standards
  • Act as escalation point for complex situations
• Strengthen Team Lead leadership capacity and accountability

Collaboration & Systems Integration

• Collaborate with Wellness, Diversion, Transition, and Food Program teams
• Ensure smooth transitions for youth between programs
• Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning
• Build relationships with internal and external partners as needed

Administration & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on program activities, incidents, and outcomes
• Contribute to organizational planning, audits, and accreditation processes
• Represent YESS professionally with partners and stakeholders

Other Duties as Assigned

Key Outcomes

• Consistent, high-quality service delivery across all shifts
• Strong staff performance, engagement, and retention
• Safe, stable, and structured environment for youth
• Reduced incidents and improved crisis response
• High compliance with policies, documentation, and standards
• Improved coordination across programs
• Increased youth stabilization and engagement

Core Competencies & Expectations

• Demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, fairness, respect, and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions
• Communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and respectful, transparent dialogue
• Deliver results by meeting performance expectations and taking initiative
• Provide service excellence with professionalism and compassion
• Apply strong problem-solving and judgment
• Foster teamwork and value diverse perspectives

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, or related field (or equivalent experience) is an asset
• 2–5+ years of leadership experience in a youth-serving or high-acuity environment
• Experience supervising staff in:
  • Shelter or housing programs
  • Crisis environments
  • Youth or social services
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation
  • Youth homelessness, mental health, and addictions
• Experience with scheduling, staffing models, and workforce coordination
• Experience with program delivery, documentation standards, and compliance

What You Bring

• Valid First Aid Certificate completed within the last twelve months
• Suicide intervention, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and crisis intervention training are assets
• Clear police clearance (PIC) and Child Intervention (CIRC) check (within six months)
• Valid Alberta class 5 or higher driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
• $1 million PLPD Personal Liability Protection

Positions available: 2

One available position is Tuesday to Saturday 7am–3:30pm
One available position is Sunday to Thursday 2pm–10:30pm

This position is onsite 40 hours per week.  The schedule requires some flexibility to support a 24/7 program environment.

Location: 9310-82 Avenue, Edmonton AB

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.