Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement & Wellness Specialist

Covenant House New Jersey; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House New Jersey seeks a Youth Engagement Support Staff (YESS) to provide strength-based, trauma-informed support to young adults 18–24. The role works within a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment and to implement individualized success plans.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, documentation in HMIS/ETO, and facilitation of activities aligned with resiliency objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work or related field.
• Experience with young people ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness or trafficking preferred.
• Knowledge of public benefits and NJ resources.
• Strong communication and teamwork; bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• NJ driver’s license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide unconditional positive regard to young people and support relationship-building.
• Assist with Case Management and help youth develop positive relationships through the case management system.
• Document intake, orientation, transitions, and progress in HMIS, ETO, and other logs.
• Crisis de-escalation, medication monitoring, and supervision coverage as needed.
• Support activities, transportation, and daily operations to maintain a safe, supportive environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Bilingual Spanish

Self-starter

Adolescent development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology/sociology/social work

Job description

Covenant House New Jersey seeks a Youth Engagement Support Staff (YESS) to provide strength-based, trauma-informed support to young adults 18–24. The role works within a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment and to implement individualized success plans.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, documentation in HMIS/ETO, and facilitation of activities aligned with resiliency objectives.