Coordinated Entry / Peer Coordinated Entry Specialist (CES)

Covenant House California; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

403(b) retirement account

Generous vacation package

Job summary

Covenant House California is seeking a CES Specialist based in Oakland and Hayward. This role involves assisting youth with assessments, connecting them to resources, and providing workshops. The ideal candidate will have experience working with vulnerable youth populations and be committed to creating a supportive environment.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention and documenting youth progress. Full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Lived experience is required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years youth work experience with community-based programs for vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Assist youth in completing CES assessments and supporting them with resources.
• Engage with homeless youth throughout Alameda County in drop-in centers.
• Coordinate crisis prevention and intervention.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Organization Overview

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support for youth overcoming homelessness, ages 18-24. CHC believes that no young person deserves to be homeless; each deserves housing, food, clothing, education, and love. CHC delivers a full continuum of services to meet the physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well‑being of young people.

CHC’s services are available to all youth and staff regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. The organization is committed to diversity, inclusion, anti‑racism, and to promoting the free expression of the lived experiences of its population.

In Alameda County, CHC operates primarily out of facilities in Oakland and Hayward. The Oakland location, operating since 2005, offers a full continuum of housing and support services. A new Hayward location opened in 2026, providing housing and supportive services to youth in South Alameda County. Current growth is expected to add 20 new beds over the next year.

Applicants for the CES Specialist position must be at least 25 years old.

Benefits

CHC offers an excellent benefits package (effective from hire date), including medical, vision, dental, an EAP program, a 403(b) retirement account, and a generous vacation package.

Position Summary

The CES (Co‑ordinated Entry System) Specialist will be based in the Housing Resources Center (HRC) / Wellness Center in Oakland and Hayward and will work under the supervision of the Manager of Support Services. Responsibilities include assisting youth in completing CES assessments, supporting them with resources, linking to services and supports, and providing workshops. The role involves engaging with homeless youth throughout Alameda County, in drop‑in centers, junior college campuses, and the CHC Wellness Center.

Key responsibilities include building relationships, coordinating crisis prevention and intervention, documenting, tracking and matching youth with housing through the CES, and collaborating with CHC teams, staff, and community partners.

Essential Functions

1. Model positive youth engagement and support throughout the Wellness Center.
2. Maintain a safe, youth‑focused environment and support referrals and linkages for youth.
3. Complete case management tasks and lead/co‑lead workshops and activities as needed.
4. Support youth in completing Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments, housing navigation activities, referrals, and matching processes according to Alameda County policies.
5. Maintain a strong understanding of community housing resources, mental health concerns, and other services relevant to youth experiencing homelessness.
6. Provide housing problem‑solving support, including exploring natural supports and assisting youth in identifying safe alternatives to prevent homelessness.
7. Work with supervisors and the team to create safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for all youth.
8. Participate in Youth Advisory Boards or Youth Action Boards as appropriate and help youth get connected and engaged in those opportunities.
9. Stay current on best practices related to trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, positive youth development, and engagement with runaway and homeless youth.
10. Develop and maintain strong interventions based on trauma‑informed, harm‑reduction, and positive youth development frameworks.
11. Ensure accurate and timely completion of written correspondence, demographic data, contract reports, and other documentation in ETO and HMIS.
12. Represent CHC at community meetings, forums, and outreach collaborative events related to homelessness or mental health issues.
13. Travel between CES hubs throughout Alameda County and maintain presence at all locations.
14. Drive company or personal vehicles to meet and transport clients for off‑site appointments and program services.
15. Attend required trainings hosted by CHC and the County of Alameda, including HMIS and CES updates and reporting guidelines.
16. Occasionally team up with outreach workers to serve unsheltered youth living on the street or in encampments.
17. Perform duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor to meet youth needs and ensure adherence to program expectations, including, but not limited to:

• Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the living environment.
• Providing crisis intervention as necessary.
• Providing backup support and coverage for other direct care positions (e.g., Residential Services, Wellness Center).

Job Requirements

Education: High School diploma or GED preferred but not required.

Experience: Lived experience is required. Minimum of 1–2 years of youth work experience with community‑based programs for youth experiencing homelessness and vulnerable populations. Must be a self‑starter and team player with the ability to work with staff, clients, vendors, and the public.

Skills & Knowledge: Strong organizational skills, effective written and verbal communication, trauma‑informed and strength‑based approach to communication with and about youth. Ability to exercise independent authority, make independent decisions for client placement, and knowledge of crisis intervention, mental illness, community‑based service delivery, and adolescent development. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Transportation / Driving: Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, automobile insurance, and a good driving record. Personal vehicles may be utilized for client meetings; company vehicles (including passenger vans) must be used for client transportation. Proof of a clean DMV record, insurance, and a valid driver’s license may be required.

Working Conditions: The environment includes both general office areas and communal residential shelter spaces. Ability to bend, sit, stand, navigate stairs, and lift up to 40 lbs. Accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Noise levels are usually moderate to loud.

Schedule: Full‑time 40 hours per week during primary Wellness Center and CES Hub hours (typically 9 am–9 pm). One weekend workday, occasional late evening, additional weekend hours, or holiday work may be required.

Supervisory Duties: None.

Equipment Used: Basic word processing, email, and internet programs; effective oral and written communication required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Covenant House California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. CHC is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, family or parental status, disability status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. CHC will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

CHC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees who need accommodations. If you require accommodation due to a disability to complete this application or to participate in other aspects of the hiring process, please contact our HR team at 1‑323‑461‑3131 or email [e-mail].

Acknowledgment

I have read this job description and agree with its contents. By signing, I acknowledge that I can perform all of the essential functions and duties outlined above. I understand that other duties may be requested that are not specifically addressed here. I agree to perform these duties as directed by my supervisor when called upon and to assist in the formulation of a revised job description, should the need arise in the opinion of my supervisor.