Youth Engagement Specialist (Days) - Covenant House Texas

• Department: Safe Haven or Transitional Living
• Position: Youth Engagement Specialist (YES)
• Reports to: Program Services Coordinator and/or Lead YES
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Shifts Available: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Days Off: Monday/Tuesday

• Understand, practice, and promote the vision, mission, and five principles of Covenant House Texas.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic commitment to the position, organization, and youth we engage.

• The Youth Engagement Specialist is expected to have actual, intentional contact with every assigned youth (as feasible) throughout each shift.
• Provide face-to-face support and intervention in multiple settings including, but not limited to the Youth Engagement Center, Safe Haven, or Rights of Passage.
• As directed by PSC or Lead YES, may assist in documentation for youth files, ETO reporting, assist youth to accomplish plan outcomes or goals and develop collaborative relationships with other community partners for youth support.
• Engage youth in appropriate educational, vocational, and life-skill programming.
• Work with the team to plan, implement, and support engagement activities facilitated by internal staff and external partners.
• Always ensure the safety and whereabouts of youth and security of buildings and property are maintained.
• Performs intakes, and discharges, answers phones, and assists in the operating and basic needs of the youth in the programs.
• Provide specific trauma-informed services to assist youth in successful outcomes.
• Relentlessly show up and be present in young people’s lives, especially through times of relapse and crisis.
• Commit to engaging in personal and professional growth and competence development, and participate in organization training activities to increase capacity to serve youth every day.
• Keep the supervisor fully informed at all times.
• Participates in the team, shift change, and staff meetings.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor.

• High School Diploma or GED required; further education in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred.
• Basic understanding of adolescent development and behaviors; demonstrate enjoyment of and ability to relate to at-risk youth and exhibit empathy with the joys and pains of others.
• Self-motivation, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing learning are essential.
• Must be dependable and able to report to work promptly and work a flexible schedule outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Is approachable, builds rapport well, and practices attentive and active listening.
• Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
• Understand and comply with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
• Ability to address conflict well and manage difficult youth in a supportive and non-threatening manner; able to respond quickly and safely and serve as a settling influence in crises and emergencies.
• Ability to work and relate to diverse groups with people of varied cultural backgrounds and tolerate differences in behavior.
• Understand, comply with, and implement Trauma-Informed Care concepts and a Strengths-Based Approach.
• Proficient with computer operating systems and programs.
• Current (valid) license and successful pass of federal, local, and state background checks required.
• Must be able to perform the physical activities and mental abilities of the job with or without accommodation.

Covenant House Texas (CHT) opened its doors in 1983 to provide shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned youth ages 18 – 24. After more than 35 years of service, CHT offers an extensive continuum of care model for homeless youth including mental health and substance abuse counseling, educational and vocational training, transitional and permanent living programs, street outreach and prevention, pastoral ministry and parenting classes in addition to providing the basic necessities of food, clothing, medical care and safe shelter from the streets for youth in crisis.