Youth Development Specialist - PRN - Days
About The Position
Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) welcomes youth ages 16 to 24 who are runaway, trafficked, at risk, or experiencing homelessness, providing shelter and basic needs alongside support to help young people build productive, independent, and sustainable lives. In alignment with CHMO’s mission and guiding principles, the Youth Development Specialist provides goal-oriented support, direct care, supervision, and youth activities in the Residential Center. The specialist works with case managers, program managers, and other support services to engage and empower youth and encourage progress toward stability. The role includes maintaining a secure, clean, and supportive residential environment; helping youth with daily routines and life skills; arranging or supporting activities and appointments; documenting care; administering and recording medication; and following organizational policies and legal protocols. The specialist also participates in staff meetings, required training, and quality improvement activities, and protects youth’s personal information. The minimum education and experience listed are an associate degree in health, human services, or a related field, or a high school diploma or GED plus at least one year of experience in youth-based or related services. A college degree is preferred. The work environment involves moderate concentration, frequent interruptions, moderate noise, moderate sitting and standing, eye strain, light walking, bending, and lifting.
Requirements
- An associate degree in health, human services, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED plus one or more years of previous experience in youth-based or related services.
- Knowledge of youth mental health and related service systems, with demonstrated experience in youth empowerment and leadership programs.
- Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work cooperatively toward shared goals, showing diplomacy and flexibility when opinions conflict.
- Ability to take control of situations and lead by empowering others into an effective team.
- Ability to relate comfortably to youth and people at all levels and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
- Ability to communicate ideas verbally in an understandable way, including delivering presentations, providing accurate information, or acting as a spokesperson.
- Ability to write concisely and convey meaning appropriately for different readers.
- Ability to anticipate, respond positively to, and manage change as it relates to youth.
- Flexible team player able to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks.
- Ability to inspire coworkers to participate and mitigate workplace conflict.
- Ability to complete tasks within allotted timeframes.
- Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Ability to follow policies, regulations, and laws pertaining to delivery of human services.
- Knowledge of mental health, trauma, substance abuse, homelessness, and related topics.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, assessment tools, database systems, and the Windows environment.
- Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
Nice To Haves
- A college degree is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and supervision to youth in the Residential Center, including managing daily activities according to CHMO policies and procedures.
- Keep the facility secure and well maintained, and promptly report maintenance concerns to the onsite manager.
- Maintain a comfortable, motivating environment that addresses youth needs and is consistent with CHMO service philosophies.
- Conduct life-skills training and safety-related drills for youth.
- Participate in required trainings and staff meetings, completing at least 40 hours of training annually.
- Lead, plan, or participate in assigned group activities and meetings for youth.
- Maintain facility cleanliness and monitor youth household chores.
- Transport or escort youth to appointments and other destinations as necessary.
- Complete daily log notes and other required documentation in youth records.
- Assist the onsite manager in planning appropriate community-based and leisure activities.
- Administer and record resident medication.
- Serve as an appropriate role model and assist youth in preparing for daily routines.
- Maintain receipts and documentation for petty cash expenditures and submit them to the Program Manager of Residential Services as required.
- Support CHMO service philosophies, including Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, a strengths-based approach, and positive youth development, while following organizational and legal protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Participate in the Quality Improvement Program through incident reporting and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Protect youth personal information rigorously.
- Ensure youth-driven activities take place to increase engagement in development of the system of care.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
