Youth Engagement Specialist (Full-Time)

Position Overview

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support for youth overcoming homelessness, ages 18-24. Our mission is to ensure that every young person in California has access to safe housing, food, clothing, education, and, most importantly, a caring environment. In our Oakland location—operating since 2005 and expanding to add 20 new beds over the next year—we strive to create diverse solutions to end youth homelessness. Youth Engagement Specialists (YES) are a core part of our multidisciplinary team, responsible for ensuring safety, providing direct care, and facilitating program operations for youth. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, as this position provides direct care to those aged 18-24.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide supervision of the shelter, including oversight and maintenance of various facility areas.
• Conduct bag and pocket checks, ensure youth pass through metal detectors, store safety weapons securely, and confiscate prohibited items.
• Perform wellness checks in youth bedrooms on a designated schedule during each shift.
• Deliver welcoming and professional phone and door coverage, answering crisis, business, and referral inquiries.
• Prevent and manage crises by adhering to agency protocols for responding, reporting, and seeking support.
• Build rapport with youth, act as a positive and safe adult role model, and maintain clear boundaries.
• Engage actively in team communications by preparing shift notes, logs, and critical incident reports, and entering engagement notes in the internal database.
• Lead a group activity for youth at least once a month and supervise youth during on-site and community outings.
• Perform general facility duties including light cleaning, building maintenance, and inspection of common areas for cleanliness.
• For overnight shifts, remain awake, complete required checklists, and ensure facility readiness for the next day.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred; relevant life and/or work experience will be considered in lieu of a diploma.
• Experience Required: Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working with youth ages 18-24.
• Requirements: Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, robust organizational skills, and computer literacy (Word, Outlook, Excel). A self-starter and team player able to collaborate with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.
• Transportation: A valid CA driver’s license and a good driving record are highly preferred. May need to transport clients/staff if required.
• Working Conditions: Must be able to work in a general business/office environment, lift up to 40 lbs, and perform duties that require bending, sitting, and standing for prolonged periods. One weekend day and holiday work may be required.
• Knowledge: Adolescent Development, Crisis Intervention, Multi-Cultural Awareness, Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and CPR & FIRST AID.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: Covenant House California offers an excellent benefits package—including medical, vision, dental, an EAP program, a 403b retirement account, and a generous vacation package (with most benefits effective on the date of hire).