Coordinated Entry / Peer Coordinated Entry Specialist (CES)

Covenant House California•Oakland, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. CHC offers a comprehensive range of services, including housing, food, clothing, education, and emotional support, aiming to foster the overall well-being of young people. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive and affirming environment for both youth and staff, valuing diversity and promoting anti-racism. CHC operates in Alameda County, with facilities in Oakland and Hayward, and is expanding its services. This role requires applicants to be at least 25 years old due to the direct care provided to youth aged 18-24. The CES Specialist will be based in the Housing Resources Center (HRC) / Wellness Center in Oakland and Hayward, reporting to the Manager of Support Services. The primary responsibilities include assisting youth with CES assessments, connecting them to resources, providing workshops, and engaging with youth across various locations in Alameda County. The position involves collaboration with CHC teams, community service providers, and requires strong skills in youth engagement, problem-solving, and case management, including relationship building, crisis intervention, documentation, tracking, and housing matching via CES.

Requirements

Lived experience is required
Minimum of 1-2 years of youth work experience is required
Experience working with community-based programs for youth experiencing homelessness and vulnerable populations.
Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, clients, vendors and the public.
Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with members, clients, vendors, and the public.
Communication with and about youth must reflect a “strength based” and “trauma informed” approach.
Must exercise appropriate independent authority when needed.
Must have the ability to make independent decisions for client placement.
Must be knowledgeable in the areas of crisis intervention, mental illness, and community-based service delivery, and adolescent development.
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, reliable and efficient transportation, automobile insurance, and a good driving record.
Employees in driving positions must be able to furnish proof of good DMV driving record, proof of insurance, and a copy of a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment.
Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs.
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual – English / Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Model positive youth engagement and support throughout the Wellness Center to all young people experiencing homelessness.
Maintain a safe youth-focused environment, support referrals and linkages for youth, provide support in the space, complete case management related tasks as assigned and lead/co-lead workshops and activities as needed.
Support youth in completing Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments, housing navigation activities, referrals, and matching processes in alignment with Alameda County Coordinated Entry policies and procedures.
Maintain strong understanding of community housing resources, mental health concerns, and other state, county, and community-based services relevant to youth experiencing homelessness.
Support youth in accessing resources and opportunities related to Stable Housing, Education, Employment, Social & Emotional Well-Being, and Social & Permanent Connections.
Provide housing problem-solving support to youth, including exploring natural supports, facilitating family or trusted adult reconnection (when appropriate), and assisting youth in identifying safe diversion and alternative housing options to prevent or reduce experiences of homelessness.
Work with your supervisor and the team to create safe, inclusive and affirming spaces for all youth that we welcome into the HRC or Wellness Center space.
Participate in any Youth Advisory Boards or Youth Action boards as appropriate. In addition, help youth get connected and engaged in those opportunities.
Stay current on best practices related to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, positive youth development, and engagement with runaway and homeless youth.
Develop and maintain strong interventions for program that stem from the framework of trauma informed, harm reduction and positive youth development models.
Ensure that all written correspondence, demographic data, contract reports and all other documentation are completed and submitted for review in an accurate and timely manner in ETO and HMIS.
Ensure that all written correspondence, demographic data, contract reports and all other documentation are completed and submitted for review in an accurate and timely manner.
Act as a representative of Covenant House California when attending community meetings or forums on issues centering on homelessness or mental health issues.
Maintain presence at North-County Outreach Collaborative and other community-based meetings as appropriate.
Travel between the CES hubs located throughout Alameda County.
Collaborate with the other team members in those locations and ensure that youth know when and where to find us.
Evaluate and render program services at all locations.
Driving company and/or personal vehicles to meet with and/or transport clients for off-site appointments and facilitation of program services.
Attend all required trainings hosted by CHC and the County of Alameda, including HMIS and CES updates and reporting guidelines.
Also attend additionally identified offsite trainings and community meetings hosted by the County of Alameda and key partner organizations to stay up to date on requirements and landscape.
Occasionally team up with outreach workers to serve unsheltered youth living on the street or encampments in Alameda County.
Perform duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (or delegate) to meet the needs of youth and ensure adherence to the program expectations.
Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the living environment
Providing crisis intervention, as necessary.
Providing back up support and coverage for other direct care positions (e.g. Residential Services, Wellness Center, etc.)