Youth Engagement Specialist Part- Time Weekend Evening Shift (6 PM-11:30 PM)

COVENANT HOUSE NEW ORLEANS•New Orleans, LA

9d•$17 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) helps create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for youth experiencing homelessness. The role builds trusting relationships, promotes life skills, supports individualized service plans, and helps youth access resources that support stability and self-sufficiency. The YES works with youth, staff, and community partners using trauma-informed support to foster personal growth, resilience, and independence. This is a part-time weekend evening position. Candidates must be available every Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM; additional weekday availability is welcomed. The position is based at 611 N Rampart Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and involves work in residential and community-based environments. Some local travel within the Greater New Orleans area may be required. 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, in 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.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position 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, and trauma-informed interactions.
Create a safe and welcoming environment 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 healthy personal care and hygiene routines, independent living skills, household responsibilities, and shared living expectations.
Use positive coaching to reinforce accountability and responsibility.
Support case managers in monitoring youth progress toward individualized goals.
Help youth access housing, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, and other services.
Help youth identify strengths, set goals, and take steps toward self-sufficiency while respecting their choices and self-determination.
Connect youth with internal and community-based resources and assist with service referrals.
Provide life skills coaching, 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; support youth safety during emotional, behavioral, or situational crises.
Help address basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support.
Complete documentation accurately and promptly, including case notes, activity records, incidents, interventions, and significant events in ETO, HMIS, and other designated systems.
Maintain confidentiality and professional standards in recordkeeping.
Collaborate with case managers, residential staff, mental health professionals, and community partners.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events and support a team culture focused on youth success and well-being.
Follow agency policies and procedures, safety and emergency response protocols, and confidentiality requirements.
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, behavioral crises, evacuations, and other urgent situations; promptly report incidents, concerns, and safety risks.
Participate in ongoing professional development related to trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, youth development, mental health awareness, and best practices for serving vulnerable youth.