Youth Engagement Specialist (Evenings)

Position Summary

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.

General Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Plan, implement, and support engagement activities facilitated by internal staff and external partners.
• Maintain the safety and whereabouts of youth and security of buildings and property.
• Perform intakes, and discharges, answer phones, and assist in the operating and basic needs of the youth in the programs.
• Provide specific trauma-informed services to assist youth in successful outcomes.
• 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.
• Participate in the team, shift change, and staff meetings.
• Interview youth and enter data into various reporting systems.
• Perform other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• A High School Diploma or GED required; further education in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• 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.
• Dependable and able to report to work promptly and work a flexible schedule outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• 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; ability 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.

About Covenant House Texas

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.