Youth Development Specialist - PRN - Days

Covenant House Missouri • St. Louis, MO

6d

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 support to help them build productive, independent, and sustainable lives. In keeping with CHMO’s mission and guiding principles, the Youth Development Specialist provides goal-oriented support, direct care, and supervision; develops and leads youth activities; and works with case managers, program managers, and support services to engage and encourage youth toward stability.

The role supports young people in a residential setting, maintains a safe and supportive facility, and promotes CHMO’s service philosophies: Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, strengths-based support, and positive youth development. The position also involves documentation, medication administration, transportation, facility upkeep, and participation in training and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

• An associate degree in health and/or human services or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in youth-based or related services.
• Knowledge of youth mental health and related services systems, with demonstrated experience working with youth empowerment and leadership programs.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work cooperatively toward shared goals, using diplomacy and flexibility when opinions conflict.
• Ability to lead and empower others, relate comfortably to youth and people at all levels, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain ideas clearly, deliver presentations, provide accurate information, or act as a spokesperson.
• Ability to write concisely and adapt written communication to different readers.
• Ability to anticipate, respond to, and positively manage change related to youth.
• Flexible team player able to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks.
• Ability to inspire participation and mitigate conflict with coworkers.
• Ability to complete tasks within allotted timeframes.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to assess alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to follow policies, regulations, and laws concerning 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.

Nice To Haves

• A college degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to youth in the Residential Center and manage day-to-day activities according to CHMO policies and procedures.
• Keep the facility secure and well maintained, report maintenance concerns promptly, and ensure cleanliness while monitoring youth household chores.
• Maintain an environment that addresses youth needs in a comfortable and motivating manner consistent with CHMO’s service philosophies.
• Conduct life-skills training and safety-related drills for youth.
• Lead, plan, or participate in youth group activities and meetings as assigned.
• 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 community-based and leisure activities.
• Administer and record resident medication.
• Serve as an appropriate role model and help youth prepare for daily routines.
• Maintain receipts and documentation for petty cash expenditures and submit them to the Program Manager of Residential Services as required.
• Attend required trainings and staff meetings and complete at least 40 hours of training annually.
• Support CHMO’s service philosophies and follow 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 occur to increase engagement in development of the system of care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree