Youth Engagement Specialist (Oakland)

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Engagement Specialist (Oakland)

Title: Youth Engagement Specialist

Employment Type: Contract to Hire

Compensation Range: $22.00 to $23.96 per hour

Location: Oakland, CA 94607

Work Schedule: 24/7 program schedule; one weekend day required; holiday and overnight work may be required

Industry: Nonprofit Youth Services / Residential Living Facility

Company Overview

This nonprofit organization provides sanctuary, housing, and comprehensive support services for young adults ages 18 to 24 who are overcoming homelessness. Its programs address physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and personal well-being through an inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed service model.

The Oakland program has operated since 2005 and provides a continuum of housing and support services. The site is continuing to grow and is expected to add 20 residential beds.

The organization is committed to creating an equitable environment where youth and staff are treated with dignity and respect. Services are provided without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Position Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist is a core member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for maintaining safety and supporting daily programming within crisis shelter and transitional living programs.

This position provides direct supervision, crisis prevention and intervention, phone and door coverage, safety assessment, documentation, light cleaning, basic facility support, and consistent engagement with young adults. The Youth Engagement Specialist serves as a positive adult role model while maintaining clear and healthy professional boundaries.

Because this role provides direct care to individuals ages 18 to 24, applicants must be at least 25 years old. Employees assigned to overnight shifts must remain awake and complete all required overnight responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision throughout the shelter and maintain oversight of assigned facility areas

• Conduct bag and pocket checks and use approved metal detection procedures when youth enter the building

• Secure prohibited items and follow established safety protocols

• Complete scheduled wellness checks in youth bedrooms

• Maintain awareness of safety conditions, client behavior, and environmental risks

• Perform daily operational duties in accordance with established policies and procedures

• Provide welcoming and professional phone and door coverage

• Respond to crisis calls, general inquiries, and resource and referral requests

• Prevent, de-escalate, and respond to crises in accordance with agency protocols

• Build rapport with youth while maintaining healthy and professional boundaries

• Serve as a positive adult role model and consistently engage youth in program activities

• Supervise youth onsite, during community outings, and while attending appointments or meetings

• Develop working knowledge of community resources available to clients

• Teach basic life skills, including personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal communication

• Lead at least one youth group or activity each month

• Prepare shift notes, logs, engagement notes, and critical incident reports

• Enter engagement documentation into Efforts to Outcomes

• Review email, prior shift notes, updates, and incident information at the beginning of each shift

• Attend required meetings, training sessions, and supervision

• Provide backup coverage as assigned

• Conduct client triage by identifying needs, clarifying concerns, and connecting youth with appropriate support

• Supervise completion of assigned chores when applicable

• Inspect shelter common areas for cleanliness each day

• Serve as Person in Charge when designated

• Arrive on time and remain present for all scheduled shifts, meetings, and training sessions

• Complete overnight checklists and prepare the facility for the following day when assigned to overnight shifts

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 25 years old

• High school diploma or relevant life and work experience

• One to two years of experience working with youth ages 18 to 24

• Reliable source of transportation,

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational and documentation skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, email, and general computer systems

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

• Knowledge of adolescent development, crisis intervention, multicultural awareness, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, CPR, and first aid

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally

• Ability to bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods

• Ability to work one weekend day and holidays when required

• Ability to remain awake throughout assigned overnight shifts

• Ability to work in a diverse, inclusive, and affirming environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field

• Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record

• Experience transporting clients or staff using organizational vehicles

• Experience in a crisis shelter, transitional living program, residential program, or homelessness services environment

• Experience using Efforts to Outcomes or a comparable client documentation system

• Current CPR and first aid certification