Youth Engagement Specialist 7A-3P

Covenant House Texas•Houston, TX

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is responsible for having actual, intentional contact with assigned youth throughout each shift, providing face-to-face support and intervention in various settings. This role involves assisting with documentation, helping youth achieve goals, developing community partnerships, and engaging youth in educational, vocational, and life-skill programming. The YES ensures the safety and security of youth and property, performs intakes and discharges, answers phones, and addresses basic needs. A key aspect of the role is providing trauma-informed services and being a consistent, supportive presence for young people, especially during challenging times. The position also requires a commitment to personal and professional growth and participation in organizational training.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Basic understanding of adolescent development and behaviors
Demonstrate enjoyment of and ability to relate to at-risk youth and exhibit empathy with the joys and pains of others.
Self-motivation, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing learning are essential.
Must be dependable and able to report to work promptly and work a flexible schedule outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
Is approachable, builds rapport well, and practices attentive and active listening.
Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
Understand and comply with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
Ability to address conflict well and manage difficult youth in a supportive and non-threatening manner; able to respond quickly and safely and serve as a settling influence in crises and emergencies.
Ability to work and relate to diverse groups with people of varied cultural backgrounds and tolerate differences in behavior.
Understand, comply with, and implement Trauma-Informed Care concepts and a Strengths-Based Approach.
Proficient with computer operating systems and programs.
Current (valid) license and successful pass of federal, local, and state background checks required.
Must be able to perform the physical activities and mental abilities of the job with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Further education in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred.

Responsibilities

Have actual, intentional contact with every assigned youth (as feasible) throughout each shift.
Provide face-to-face support and intervention in multiple settings including, but not limited to the Youth Engagement Center, Safe Haven, or Rights of Passage.
Assist in documentation for youth files, ETO reporting, assist youth to accomplish plan outcomes or goals and develop collaborative relationships with other community partners for youth support, as directed by PSC or Lead YES.
Engage youth in appropriate educational, vocational, and life-skill programming.
Plan, implement, and support engagement activities facilitated by internal staff and external partners.
Ensure the safety and whereabouts of youth and security of buildings and property are maintained.
Perform intakes, and discharges, answer phones, and assist in the operating and basic needs of the youth in the programs.
Provide specific trauma-informed services to assist youth in successful outcomes.
Relentlessly show up and be present in young people’s lives, especially through times of relapse and crisis.
Engage in personal and professional growth and competence development, and participate in organization training activities to increase capacity to serve youth every day.
Keep the supervisor fully informed at all times.
Participate in the team, shift change, and staff meetings.
Perform other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor.