Youth Engagement Specialist

Covenant House Illinois•Chicago, IL

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is a core member of the residential team who provides direct, individualized care to youth in both our residential and drop-in programs. The YES supports youth who may have experienced homelessness, trauma, human trafficking, or other significant barriers. The position requires a compassionate and strengths-based approach to relationship-building, service delivery, and crisis management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social service field required; OR High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of relevant experience.
Display effective written, verbal, listening, and communication skills.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in crisis situations with effective interpersonal skills.
Must be willing to function as an active and engaged member of an interdisciplinary team.
Strong organizational, time management, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds and provide culturally competent services.
Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and administer Narcan if necessary.
Ability to pass all required federal, state, and local background checks.
Physical ability to perform light labor, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.
Proficiency in or willingness to learn case management systems such as ETO
Basic Microsoft Office knowledge required.

Nice To Haves

Willing to undergo MVR background check for clearance to drive agency van.

Responsibilities

Contribute to a clean and organized facility through light physical work and inspection of common spaces.
Supervise and engage youth in day-to-day activities with empathy and respect, maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
Support youth in alignment with Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Positive Youth Development frameworks.
Assist in the creation and implementation of individualized success plans for youth assigned for Relentless Engagement initiative.
Serve meals to youth when kitchen staff are unavailable, and ensure space is cleaned up after meals have been completed.
Prepare and distribute lunch bags to youth.
Participate in wanding and bag checks of youth entering the space to ensure the safety of the facility.
Participate in room searches when directed by supervisor.
Routinely check and respond to emails and all other agency approved forms of communications in a timely manner.
Facilitate group services, activities, and peer support meetings.
Escort youth to external appointments and activities as needed.
Assist youth with basic needs such as lockers, showers, laundry, and meals.
Support youth from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ youth and those who may be navigating substance use or mental health concerns.
Accurately document all interactions, shift notes, incident reports, groups, and service progress using agency systems such as ETO.
Assist YDC Coordinator and Case Managers in completing YDC intakes for new youth.
Ensure all of the duties for the location you are assigned to work have been completed each shift.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with mandated reporting, HIPAA, duty to warn, and other legal standards.
Mandatory participation in ongoing professional development, team meetings, and agency-wide training.
Assist with onboard training of new YES staff.

Benefits

Starting wage of $20/hour
Double time pay for working on agency-defined holidays
Low-cost Aetna Health Insurance
Three weeks of paid vacation in the first year, increasing to four weeks after year one
Separate paid sick time accrual
Four personal days annually
12 paid holidays
Participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
Long-Term Disability Plan
On-site professional development and training opportunities