Youth Engagement Specialist (Various Shifts Available)

About the role

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support for youth overcoming homelessness, ages 18‑24. CHC believes every young person deserves housing, food, clothing, education, and to be loved, and offers a full continuum of services for physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well‑being. The organization is committed to an inclusive, affirming environment where diversity is valued and anti‑racism is advanced. At the Santa Clara location (operating since 2005), CHC provides housing and support services and is adding 20 new beds over the next year. Youth Engagement Specialists (YES) are essential members of the multidisciplinary team, facilitating safety and comprehensive programming in the crisis shelter and transitional living program. They supervise shelter operations, engage youth as positive adult role models, and uphold CHC’s mission, principles, code of conduct, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision of the shelter, including oversight and maintenance of various facility areas.
• Conduct bag and pocket checks; have youth walk through a metal detector or use a wand upon entry.
• Store and lock up safety weapons; confiscate prohibited items.
• Perform wellness checks in youth bedrooms on an assigned schedule each shift.
• Maintain safety awareness of situations and spaces.
• Carry out day‑to‑day operations per established policies and procedures.
• Provide welcoming, engaging, and professional phone and door coverage for crisis, business, information, and referral inquiries.
• Prevent and intervene in crises while following agency protocol for response, reporting, and support.
• Build rapport with clients, act as a positive role model and safe adult while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Be a proactive team member; encourage youth participation in activities.
• Provide direct supervision of youth on‑site, on community outings, and during meetings/appointments.
• Develop knowledge of current community resources available to clients.
• Teach basic life skills such as personal hygiene, household cleaning, and interpersonal interactions.
• Lead a group or activity for youth at least once a month.
• Maintain consistent communication with the multidisciplinary team via shift notes, logs, and critical incident reports.
• Enter engagement notes in the internal database (Efforts to Outcomes – ETO).
• Check email at the start of each shift to review previous shift notes, updates, and incidents.
• Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Function as back‑up coverage as assigned.
• Work directly with clients performing triage (field questions, clarify needs, etc.).
• Supervise clients in completing chores when applicable.
• Inspect common areas for cleanliness daily.
• Serve as Person in Charge (PIC) when designated.
• Be timely and present at all scheduled meetings, training sessions, and shifts.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred; relevant life and/or work experience may be considered in lieu of diplomas.
• Experience: Minimum of 1‑2 years’ experience working with youth ages 18‑24.
• Knowledge: Adolescent Development, Crisis Intervention, Multi‑Cultural Awareness, Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and CPR & FIRST AID.
• Transportation: Valid CA driver’s license and good driving record highly preferred (may need to transport clients/staff using agency transportation).
• Equipment Used: Computers (including email), telephone, and printer.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Computer literate (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)
• Self‑starter and team player with ability to work with staff, clients, vendors, and the public

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental
• EAP program
• 403b retirement account
• Generous vacation package (most benefits effective date of hire)

Schedule

• Tuesday–Saturday from 3:30 PM–12:00 AM
• Friday–Sunday from 11:30 PM–8:00 AM
• Full‑time positions include day shift and swing shift
• Staff are required to work one weekend day; holiday work may be required