Coordinated Entry / Peer Coordinated Entry Specialist (CES)

Covenant House California•Oakland, CA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinated Entry System (CES) Specialist is based in the Housing Resources Center (HRC) / Wellness Center in Oakland and Hayward and reports to the Manager of Support Services. The role supports young people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County by helping them complete CES assessments, access resources and services, participate in housing navigation and matching, and attend workshops. Work takes place in CHC Wellness Centers, other drop-in centers, and junior college campuses, and involves collaboration with CHC teams and community service providers. The specialist provides positive youth engagement and case management, builds relationships and linkages, and supports crisis prevention and intervention. The role includes documentation and tracking in ETO and HMIS, representing CHC at community meetings, travel between CES hubs, and occasional outreach to unsheltered youth. Driving to appointments and transporting clients are essential functions. The work environment includes business offices and communal residential shelter settings, with occasional outdoor work.

Requirements

Lived experience is required.
At least 1–2 years of youth work experience, including experience with community-based programs serving youth experiencing homelessness and vulnerable populations.
High school diploma or GED is preferred but not required.
Be a self-starter and team player, able to work with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.
Good organizational skills and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Communicate with and about youth using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach.
Exercise appropriate independent authority and make independent decisions regarding client placement.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, mental illness, community-based service delivery, and adolescent development.
Valid California Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record; provide proof of a satisfactory DMV driving record when assigned driving responsibilities.
Maintain and provide proof of valid automobile insurance, in accordance with applicable law and company policy, if using a personal vehicle for work.
Ability to bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods; navigate stairs daily; and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
Ability to work in office and communal residential shelter environments, occasionally outdoors, with noise levels that are usually moderate to loud.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Model positive youth engagement and help maintain a safe, youth-focused Wellness Center environment; provide referrals, linkages, case management support, and workshops or activities.
Assist youth with CES assessments, housing navigation, referrals, and housing-matching processes in accordance with Alameda County policies and procedures.
Maintain knowledge of community housing resources, mental health concerns, and other relevant services; help youth access housing, education, employment, well-being, and connection opportunities.
Provide housing problem-solving support, including exploring natural supports, facilitating appropriate family or trusted-adult reconnection, and identifying safe diversion and alternative housing options.
Work with the supervisor and team to create safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces; participate in Youth Advisory or Action Boards as appropriate and connect youth with these opportunities.
Stay current on trauma-informed care, harm reduction, positive youth development, and engagement practices for runaway and homeless youth; develop and maintain interventions informed by these approaches.
Complete and submit correspondence, demographic data, contract reports, and other documentation accurately and promptly in ETO and HMIS.
Represent CHC at community meetings and forums concerning homelessness or mental health, including the North-County Outreach Collaborative as appropriate.
Travel between CES hubs throughout Alameda County, collaborate with staff at those locations, and provide and evaluate program services across locations.
Drive company and/or personal vehicles for client appointments and program services, including transporting clients when needed.
Attend required CHC and Alameda County training, including HMIS and CES updates and reporting guidance, as well as identified offsite trainings and community meetings.
Occasionally partner with outreach workers to serve unsheltered youth living on streets or in encampments.
Perform other assigned duties to meet youth needs and program expectations, including maintaining a clean and safe environment, providing crisis intervention, and backing up other direct-care positions.
Use basic word-processing, email, and internet programs.