COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA
Job Description: Youth Safety Advocate

As our direct care staff work with youth that are 18-24 years old, we require that applicants are at least 25 years old.

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is often the first encounter a young person, staff, donor or community member experiences of Covenant house California. It is expected that this position can manage competing priorities, bring a positive and engaging attitude of customer service and willingness to help answer phone calls, manage visitors, welcome young people off of the streets and interface with our community partners. The Youth Services Clerk is also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, staff, and visitors, as well as the physical property of Covenant House California within the framework of the agency Mission Statement, Five Principles, and the Policies and Procedures. This position is required to adhere to all agency policies/procedures and practices (time/attendance, cell phone, telecommunications, safety, remaining awake/alert, etc).

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt 40 hours per week, Evening Shift 3:30pm-12am

PAY RATE: $20/hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide professional “customer service” at all times, including on phone calls, interactions with youth, staff, vendors and on the CHC paging system.

2. Be the first point of contact with all youth coming into the agency. Make sure all youth are checked in properly through the metal detectors and that all personal items have been checked.

3. Engage in positive interaction with all youth, CHC staff, outside vendors and guests, however, the Youth Safety Advocate is not a counseling position and as such, should not engage in counseling with the youth.

4. Monitor reception desk including answering phones with professional courtesy, directing callers to appropriate extensions or parties, and greeting residents, staff, guests.

5. Monitor entrance and activity in all buildings through the use of foot patrol and surveillance equipment. Report unusual and/or suspicious activities/events to management staff or person in charge (PIC).

6. Perform rounds to ensure sanctuary is maintained. Rounds should be completed as often as directed by supervisor (minimum every 60 minutes).

A. Internal Checks
? Assure all appropriate doors are locked.
? Report any damage/maintenance needs.
? Ensure that only appropriate persons are allowed access to the facility.

B. External Checks
? Check perimeter for inappropriate activity.
? Report any damage/maintenance needs.
? Ensure for safety of agency and personal vehicles.

7. Work with youth in situations, such as, assisting staff to resolve conflicts, inspecting resident belongings, and other duties as assigned. Use de-escalation techniques as necessary or summon help from staff or call 911 to protect residents and/or staff from harm. Assist as appropriate in any emergency situations and during crisis interventions.

8. Maintain an ongoing log of activity throughout the shift, (including inspection rounds/foot patrol) and document any Critical Incidents. All documentation should be filed appropriately at the end of the shift.

9. Perform other duties as assigned by Management Staff and/or CHC Executive Staff, function as back-up coverage, as assigned;

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred. Must have a current California State issued Guard Card or be willing to get one.

EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years working with homeless or at-risk youth/young adults in a residential setting preferred.

SKILLS: Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate well both verbally and in written form with others. Knowledge of Security procedures.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have valid CA driver’s license, good diving record and reliable transportation. May be required to transport youth/staff if needed using agency transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS: General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required. A uniform is required to be worn at all times (dark pants, CHC provided shirt, black shoes, and security jacket).

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: N/A

EQUIPMENT USED: General office equipment including computer, metal detector.

Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.