<p>The Youth-Initiated Mentor (YIM) approach, an intervention in which elements of both natural mentoring and professional youth care are combined, shows promise in Dutch youth care. However, adopting this approach is challenging for professionals, as it requires a more network-oriented way of working. A YIM professional is a publicly financed youth care practitioner who facilitates the establishment of a mentoring relationship between a young person and YIM mentor. Yet, little is known about how professionals experience this shift in roles and identity and which conditions facilitate successful adoption. This study examined how YIM professionals perceive their own roles and those of non-YIM colleagues, and which conditions support their transformation into YIM professionals, addressing how this shift translates into everyday practice. Using a Social Identity Approach-based topic guide, five focus groups were conducted with 29 participants (23 women, 6 men; ages 31–62, <i>M</i> = 41.0, <i>SD</i> = 9.9). Analysis involved open and axial coding in ATLAS.ti, followed by iterative refinement and member checking. The transformation involves shifts in roles, performance, and professional identity, supported by room for individual development, team collaboration, organizational backing, and clear communication with referrers. Becoming a YIM professional requires a fundamental shift from expert to coach, grounded in trust and shared responsibility with families. Sustainable implementation depends not only on individual transformation but also on leadership that supports identity development and organizational learning. Such support is critical for achieving the impact of the YIM approach for young people and their families.</p>