Youth Engagement Specialist - Anaheim (Various Shifts Available)

Covenant House California•Anaheim, CA

19h

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization providing sanctuary and support to youth ages 18–24 who are overcoming homelessness. Youth Engagement Specialists are essential members of the residential team, supporting young people who may have experienced homelessness, human trafficking, and trauma, identify as LGBTQ+, are gender non-conforming, or have complex needs. The role uses strengths-based, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed practices and works with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment. Youth Engagement Specialists support day-to-day program operations, provide direct supervision and engagement, assess safety, help prevent and manage crises, uphold program policies and procedures, document shift activity, and assist with light cleaning and building maintenance. Overnight shifts are awake and require completion of an overnight checklist to prepare the facility for the next day. The position has part-time day and overnight, full-time overnight, and per diem options. The role does not perform supervisory duties.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth ages 18–24.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Computer literacy, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and similar programs.
Well organized, self-starting, and able to work as part of a team with staff, youth, vendors, and the community.
Valid California driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to use basic word processing, email, and internet programs and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field, or equivalent experience in a residential program.
Knowledge or experience using strengths-based and harm-reduction frameworks and trauma-informed practices.

Responsibilities

Build rapport with youth and serve as a positive role model and safe adult while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Work directly with youth to field questions, identify needs, and clarify problems.
Supervise youth at the program, on outings, and during community meetings and appointments.
Provide welcoming, engaging, and professional phone and door coverage, responding to crisis, business information, resource, and referral inquiries.
Prevent and intervene in crises according to agency protocols for responding, reporting, and seeking support.
Teach basic life skills, including personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions, with compassion for each youth’s situation.
Participate proactively as a team member and encourage youth to participate in activities.
Lead skill-building and healthy-choice groups and workshops.
Develop knowledge of current community resources available to youth.
Inspect common areas daily for cleanliness.
Communicate consistently with the multidisciplinary team through clear shift notes, logs, and critical incident reports.
Maintain awareness of safety in situations and spaces.
Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) when designated.
Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and supervision; be timely and present for scheduled commitments.
Perform daily operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provide program supervision, including oversight and maintenance of facility areas.
Complete the overnight checklist on overnight shifts to prepare the facility for the next day.
Transport clients or staff using agency transportation if required.