Youth Engagement Specialist (Various Shifts Available)

Covenant House California•Santa Clara, CA

18h

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization providing sanctuary and support to youth ages 18–24 who are overcoming homelessness. At its Santa Clara location, CHC offers a continuum of housing and support services. Youth Engagement Specialists are essential members of a multidisciplinary team that works to provide safety and comprehensive programming in the crisis shelter and transitional living program. They support daily operations, follow CHC’s mission, principles, code of conduct, policies, and procedures, and serve as positive adult role models who engage with youth while maintaining healthy boundaries. The role includes supervising the shelter and youth, responding to crisis and other inquiries at the door and by phone, assessing safety, preventing and managing crises, supporting youth participation and life skills, and documenting activities and incidents. Overnight staff must remain awake and complete an overnight checklist to prepare the facility for the next day. The work is in a general business/office environment and may involve transporting clients or staff using agency transportation. Available schedules include weekday and weekend shifts; staff are required to work one weekend day, and holiday work may be required.

Requirements

Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth ages 18–24.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer literacy, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.
Knowledge of adolescent development, crisis intervention, multicultural awareness, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and CPR and first aid.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods.
Availability to work one weekend day; holiday work may be required.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field; relevant life or work experience may be considered in lieu of diplomas.
Valid California driver’s license and a good driving record; highly preferred. May need to transport clients or staff using agency transportation.

Responsibilities

Supervise the shelter and oversee and maintain facility areas.
Conduct bag and pocket checks and screen youth entering the building with a walk-through metal detector or metal detector wand.
Secure safety weapons and confiscate prohibited items.
Conduct scheduled wellness checks in youth bedrooms during each shift.
Maintain awareness of safety risks and situations.
Carry out daily operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provide welcoming, professional coverage at the phone and door, responding to crisis, business information, resource, and referral inquiries.
Prevent and intervene in crises according to agency protocols, including reporting and seeking support.
Build rapport with youth, act as a positive role model and safe adult, and maintain healthy boundaries.
Participate proactively as a team member and encourage youth to take part in activities.
Directly supervise youth on-site, on community outings, and during community meetings and appointments.
Develop knowledge of community resources available to clients.
Teach basic life skills, including personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions.
Lead a group or activity for youth at least once a month.
Communicate consistently with the multidisciplinary team through shift notes, logs, and critical incident reports.
Enter engagement notes in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database.
Check email at the beginning of each shift and review prior shift notes, updates, and incidents.
Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and supervision.
Provide backup coverage as assigned.
Work directly with clients to triage needs, field questions, and clarify problems.
Supervise clients completing chores, if applicable.
Inspect shelter common areas for cleanliness daily.
Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) when designated.
Arrive on time and attend scheduled meetings, training sessions, and shifts.
For overnight shifts, remain awake and complete the overnight checklist.