Youth Engagement Specialist Part- Time (Weekend Day 7 AM- 3:30 PM)

COVENANT HOUSE NEW ORLEANS•New Orleans, LA

9d•$17 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

Covenant House New Orleans provides shelter, support, and opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, using trauma-informed care to help young people pursue stability and independence. The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) creates a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for youth. The role builds trusting relationships, promotes life skills development, supports individualized service plans, and helps youth access resources needed to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The YES works with youth, staff, and community partners to provide trauma-informed support and foster personal growth, resilience, and independence. This is a part-time weekend day-shift position. Candidates must regularly be available every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM; additional weekday availability is welcomed. The position is based at 611 N Rampart Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and work takes place in residential and community-based environments. Some local travel within the Greater New Orleans area may be required, and non-traditional hours may be necessary to meet program needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license.
At least one year of experience working with youth, human services, residential programs, homelessness services, education, behavioral health, or a related field.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed. The position requires regular availability every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Trauma-informed and youth-centered approach.
Effective communication and active listening.
Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
Relationship-building and engagement skills.
Cultural humility and inclusiveness.
Time management and organizational skills.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Adaptability and problem-solving.
Professional documentation and recordkeeping skills.
Ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education, Counseling, or a related field.
Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, or system involvement.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and youth development practices.
Experience using HMIS, ETO, or similar case management software.
Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Build positive, trusting relationships with youth through consistent, respectful, supportive, non-judgmental, and empowering interactions.
Create a safe, welcoming environment that promotes stability and belonging, and encourage participation in educational, recreational, and life skills activities.
Model professional communication and respectful behavior.
Monitor youth activities and whereabouts to help maintain a safe environment.
Support youth in developing personal care, hygiene, and independent living skills, and encourage completion of household responsibilities and shared living expectations.
Reinforce accountability and responsibility through positive coaching and support.
Support case managers in monitoring youth progress toward individualized goals.
Help youth access housing, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, and other services; help them identify strengths, set goals, and take steps toward self-sufficiency.
Advocate for youth while respecting their choices and self-determination.
Connect youth with internal and community-based resources and assist with referrals to supportive services.
Coach youth in life skills, including financial literacy, job readiness, and self-care, and support equitable, culturally responsive access to services.
Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches; help ensure immediate safety and support during emotional, behavioral, or situational crises.
Help address basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support.
Complete required documentation accurately and promptly; maintain case notes and activity records in ETO, HMIS, and other designated systems.
Document incidents, interventions, and significant events according to agency policies, maintaining confidentiality and professional recordkeeping standards.
Collaborate with case managers, residential staff, mental health professionals, and community partners; participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
Support a positive team culture focused on youth success and well-being and follow Covenant House New Orleans policies and procedures.
Follow safety, emergency response, and confidentiality protocols; respond appropriately to medical emergencies, behavioral crises, evacuations, and other urgent situations.
Promptly report incidents, concerns, and safety risks and help maintain a secure, supportive environment for youth, staff, and visitors.
Participate in ongoing training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, youth development, mental health awareness, and related topics, and maintain professional growth and awareness of best practices.