Youth Engagement Specialist (Part-Time)

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for young people experiencing homelessness in California. CHC offers housing, food, clothing, education, and a full continuum of services to promote physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well‑being. Position Summary The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is an essential core member of CHC’s multidisciplinary team. YES staff facilitate safety and comprehensive programming for youth aged 18‑24 in the crisis shelter and transitional living program, ensuring a positive adult role model and continuous engagement. Position type: Part‑time, , with variable shifts. Overnight shifts require staff to remain alert and complete the overnight checklist. Essential Functions Supervise the shelter and maintain all areas of the facility. Conduct bag and pocket checks, using metal detectors, and securely store prohibited items. Perform wellness checks in youth bedrooms on an assigned schedule. Maintain safety awareness of situations and spaces. Execute day‑to‑day operations in accordance with established policies and procedures. Provide courteous phone and door coverage for crisis, business information, and referral inquiries. Implement crisis prevention and intervention, following agency protocols. Build rapport with clients, acting as a positive role model while maintaining healthy boundaries. Encourage youth participation in activities and acts as a proactive team member. Supervise youth during outings, community meetings, and appointments. Develop knowledge of current community resources available to clients. Teach basic life skills such as personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions. Lead a group or activity for youth at least once a month. Maintain consistent communication with the multidisciplinary team via shift notes, logs, and critical incident reports. Enter engagement notes in the internal database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO). Check email at the beginning of each shift for updates and incidents. Attend trainings, meetings, and supervision as assigned. Provide back‑up coverage when needed. Conduct triage (field questions, clarify needs, and assess client issues). Supervise completion of chores when applicable. Inspect common areas for cleanliness daily. Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) as designated. Be punctual and present for all scheduled meetings, training sessions, and shifts. Job Requirements High School Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field preferred; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of credentials. Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth aged 18‑24. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and computer literacy (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.). Self‑starter, team player, able to work with staff, clients, vendors, and the public. Valid California driver’s license and good driving record preferred; agency transportation may be used if required. Working Conditions General business/office environment. Staff must be able to lift up to 40 lbs, bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods. Staff are required to work one weekend day and may be asked to work holidays due to 24/7 operations. Knowledge & Licenses Adolescent Development, Crisis Intervention, Multi‑cultural Awareness, Trauma‑Informed Care, Harm Reduction, CPR & First Aid. Equipment Computers (including email), telephone, and printer. Equal Opportunity Covenant House California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. CHC is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. CHC will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, family or parental status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. CHC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the application or hiring process, please contact HR at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Time, or email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Covenant House California