Youth Engagement Specialist

About the Role:

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) plays a critical role in providing direct support, engagement, and supervision to youth participating in Covenant House programs. This role ensures young people experience a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment while receiving services that promote stability, personal growth, and independence.

In this role, you will report directly to the Residential Coordinator and work closely with program staff to engage youth in programming and support daily operations within residential programs, including assisting with youth supervision, facilitating activities, and maintaining a safe and structured environment. You will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young people, provide trauma-informed support, and contribute to programming that helps youth develop life skills, pursue education and employment goals, and move toward long-term stability.

We currently offer both full-time and part-time opportunities across day, evening, and overnight shifts. Please see the available shifts listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage intentionally with assigned youth throughout each shift to build trusting relationships and provide consistent support
• Provide direct, face-to-face support and intervention to youth in program spaces including the Youth Engagement Center, Safe Haven, and Rights of Passage
• Support youth in educational, vocational, and life skills programming designed to promote independence and self-sufficiency
• Assist with program operations including youth intakes, discharges, answering phones, and supporting the basic needs of youth in the program
• Provide trauma-informed support to youth, particularly during times of crisis, relapse, or personal challenges
• Collaborate with team members to plan and implement youth engagement activities and programming facilitated by internal staff and external partners
• Assist with documentation and data entry in youth files and systems such as Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), as directed by program leadership
• Support youth in working toward individualized goals and service plans
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners that support youth outcomes
• Participate in team meetings, shift change meetings, staff meetings, and organizational trainings
• Communicate regularly with supervisors to ensure they remain informed of youth needs, concerns, or incidents
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities to strengthen skills in youth engagement and trauma-informed care

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of adolescent development and behaviors
• Ability to build rapport and maintain positive relationships with youth experiencing crisis or instability
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and the ability to support youth through difficult situations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and conflict resolution
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during crisis situations or emergencies
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies and safety protocols
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and strengths-based approaches when working with youth
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with openness and respect for differences in behavior
• Self-motivated with sound judgment and initiative
• Dependable with the ability to maintain consistent attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and documentation tools
• Ability to remain alert and awake during overnight or extended shifts when required
• All YES positions require that the staff stay awake and remain on site at all times during the shift.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults, particularly those experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities
• Valid driver’s license and ability to successfully pass federal, state, and local background checks
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• Experience working in residential or youth shelter settings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices and strengths-based youth development approaches
• Experience using case management or client data systems such as Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)

Travel Requirements

This role is fully onsite and requires staff to remain on-site throughout their scheduled shifts. Some travel within the local area may be required to support youth activities or program needs.

Available Shifts

Full time

• Monday – Friday: 6:00pm – 2:00am
• Monday – Friday: 1:00am – 9:00am

Part time

• Saturday and Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:00am- 8:00am
• Saturday and Sunday: 6:00pm – 2:00am
• Saturday and Sunday: 1:00am – 9:00am