COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA

JOB DESCRIPTION: Youth Engagement Specialist

SINCE OUR DIRECT CARE STAFF WORK WITH YOUTH THAT ARE 18-24 YEARS OLD, WE REQUIRE THAT APPLICANTS BE AT LEAST 25 YEARS OLD.

Covenant House CA (CHC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Safe Haven Housing Program in Anaheim, CA, for young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking. The staff at CHC Anaheim will be part of a unique experience of being the first to work at the site, becoming a critical part of CHC’s history. Drawing upon CHC’s 30+ years of experience serving young people, ages 18-24, staff will assist to develop a program that effectively meets the unique needs of young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in Orange County. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are and relentlessly engaging them, so that they can fulfill their dreams. This is a once in a lifetime career opportunity to help launch a new program, that will change the lives of young people forever!

Covenant House California offers an excellent benefits package, (effective date of hire), including Medical, Vision, Dental, an EAP program, Retirement Plan and a generous vacation package.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Youth Engagement Specialists (YES) are an essential and core position on our residential team. CHC is looking for passionate, qualified Youth Engagement Specialists who are skilled in supporting youth who have experienced homelessness and human trafficking, have experienced trauma, identify as LGBTQ+, are gender non-conforming and/or who often face multiple issues and have complex needs. Youth Engagement Specialists will have knowledge and/or experience utilizing a strengths-based, harm reduction framework, using trauma informed practices and will value working within a multi-disciplinary team to create a safe inclusive environment for all.

All CHC staff work together to facilitate safety and comprehensive programming for youth in our housing programs. Youth Engagement Specialists facilitate the day-to- day operations and duties, provide essential supervision and support, including triage of door and phones, assessing safety, preventing, and managing crises, upholding programmatic policy and procedure, documentation, light cleaning and building maintenance, as well as being a positive adult role model that relentlessly engages with our youth.

SCHEDULE:

Shift: Full-Time 40 hours per week: Sunday-Thursday 4pm-12.30am

SALARY RANGE: $19.50 /hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Build rapport with youth and act as a positive role model and safe adult while maintaining and facilitating healthy boundaries.
• Work directly with youth doing triage (i.e., field questions, enquire on needs, clarify the problem, etc.)
• Direct supervision of youth on-site, on outings and during meetings and appointments in the community.
• Provide welcoming, engaging, and professional phone and door coverage to include answering and responding to incoming crisis, business information, resource, and referral inquiries.
• Crisis prevention and intervention while adhering to agency protocol for responding, reporting, and seeking support.
• Teach basic life skills such as personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions, in a manner that is compassionate to each youth’s situation.
• Be a proactive and involved team member and encourage youth to participate in activities.
• Lead groups and workshops on skill building and healthy choices.
• Develop knowledge of the current community resources available to youth.
• Inspect common areas of the housing program for cleanliness daily.
• Maintain consistent communication with the multidisciplinary team by preparing clear and concise shift notes, logs and critical incident reports.
• Maintain safety awareness of situations and spaces.
• Function as Person in Charge (PIC), as designated.
• Attend trainings, meetings and supervision as assigned.
• Be timely and present at all scheduled meetings, trainings, and shifts.
• Perform day to day operations and duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Provide supervision of the program, including oversight and maintenance of the various areas of the facility.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma Preferred. Relevant life and / or work experience will be considered in lieu of HS Diploma.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working with youth ages 18-24.

SKILLS:

Must be well organized and have strong verbal and written communication skills. Must be computer literate (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.) Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, youth, vendors, and the community.

TRANSPORTATION:

Must have a valid CA driver’s license and good driving record. May need to transport clients/staff if required using agency transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work occasionally in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

This position does not perform supervisory duties.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effective both orally and in written form.

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.