Youth Engagement Specialist (Swing Shift)

Covenant House California•Los Angeles, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization providing sanctuary and support to young people ages 18–24 who are overcoming homelessness. Youth Engagement Specialists are essential members of the residential team, supporting youth who may have experienced homelessness, human trafficking, or trauma, and youth who identify as LGBTQ+ or gender non-conforming or have complex needs. The role uses strengths-based, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed approaches and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment. Youth Engagement Specialists support the day-to-day operation of housing programs. They supervise and engage youth, respond to inquiries and crises, maintain program policies and documentation, and help keep the facility safe and prepared. Staff may also provide basic life-skills guidance, lead groups and workshops, connect youth with community resources, and collaborate with outreach staff on referrals and the shelter waitlist. The position is based at CHC’s Hollywood location. The posting describes an awake overnight shift and completion of an overnight checklist to prepare the facility for the next day.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
At least 1–2 years of experience working with youth ages 18–24.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Organized, computer literate, self-starting, and able to work collaboratively with staff, youth, vendors, and the community.
Valid California driver’s license and a good driving record; may need to transport clients or staff using agency transportation.
Able to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods.
Must work one weekend day; holiday work may be required.
Must have or be willing to obtain training and knowledge in adolescent development, crisis intervention, multicultural awareness, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, CPR, and first aid.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field, or equivalent experience in a residential program.
Experience or knowledge supporting youth affected by homelessness, human trafficking, trauma, or complex needs, including LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming youth.
Knowledge or experience using strengths-based, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed practices.

Responsibilities

Build rapport with youth, serve as a positive role model and safe adult, and maintain healthy boundaries.
Work directly with youth to field questions, identify needs, and clarify problems.
Supervise youth on site, on outings, and during community meetings and appointments.
Provide professional phone and door coverage, responding to crisis, business information, resource, and referral inquiries.
Prevent and intervene in crises in accordance with agency protocols for response, reporting, and seeking support.
Teach basic life skills, including personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions, with compassion for each youth’s circumstances.
Participate proactively as a team member and encourage youth to take part in activities.
Lead skill-building and healthy-choices groups and workshops.
Develop knowledge of 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.
Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and supervision check-ins, and be punctual and present for scheduled commitments and shifts.
Perform day-to-day operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Supervise the program and oversee and maintain facility areas.
Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) when designated.
As needed, collaborate with the outreach team to add referrals to the shelter waitlist and keep the list updated with youth communications; document efforts to locate and support youth onsite, by phone or email, and through assigned community outreach.
For overnight shifts, remain awake and complete the overnight checklist to prepare the facility for the next day.