Youth Engagement Specialist (Per Diem Shifts Available)

Covenant House California•Hayward, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support to youth ages 18–24 overcoming homelessness. In Santa Clara, CHC offers a continuum of housing and support services, including a crisis shelter and transitional living program. Youth Engagement Specialists are essential members of a multidisciplinary team and help facilitate safety and comprehensive programming. They support daily program operations, supervise and engage youth, respond to crises, uphold program policies and procedures, document activities, and maintain a safe and welcoming facility. Specialists are expected to serve as positive adult role models, maintain healthy boundaries, and work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Overnight staff must remain awake and complete an overnight checklist to prepare the facility for the next day. The role is scheduled either Tuesday–Saturday, 3:30 PM–12:00 AM, or Friday–Sunday, 11:30 PM–8:00 AM. CHC is open 24/7; staff are required to work one weekend day, and holiday work may be required. The work environment is a general business/office environment. The position may require lifting up to 40 pounds on occasion and bending, sitting, and standing for prolonged periods. A valid California driver’s license and good driving record are highly preferred; the role may involve transporting clients or staff in agency transportation. Covenant House California offers medical, vision, and dental coverage, an employee assistance program, a 403(b) retirement account, and a generous vacation package. Most benefits are effective on the date of hire.

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 as a self-starter and team player with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.
Knowledge of adolescent development, crisis intervention, multicultural awareness, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, CPR, and first aid.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods.
Ability 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 and/or work experience may be considered in lieu of diplomas.
Valid California driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to transport clients or staff using agency transportation when required.

Responsibilities

Supervise the shelter and oversee and maintain facility areas.
Conduct bag and pocket checks and have youth pass through a metal detector or be screened with a metal detector wand whenever they enter the building.
Secure safety weapons and confiscate prohibited items.
Conduct scheduled wellness checks in youth bedrooms during each shift.
Monitor safety in situations and spaces and perform daily duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provide professional phone and door coverage, responding to crisis, business-information, resource, and referral inquiries.
Prevent and intervene in crises according to agency protocols, including reporting incidents and seeking support.
Build rapport with clients, serve as a positive role model and safe adult, and maintain healthy boundaries.
Work proactively with the team and encourage youth participation 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 by preparing shift notes and logs and writing critical incident reports.
Enter engagement notes in the internal Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database.
Check email at the start of each shift and review prior shift notes, updates, and incidents.
Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and supervision.
Provide backup coverage as assigned.
Triage client needs by fielding questions, clarifying problems, and identifying what clients need.
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 all scheduled meetings, training sessions, and shifts.
For overnight shifts, remain awake and complete the overnight checklist.