Trauma-Informed Youth Support Specialist

Covenant House New Jersey; Atlantic City (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House New Jersey is seeking a dedicated Youth Engagement Specialist to support youth ages 18-24 in a trauma-informed, harm-reduction focused program. The role emphasizes documentation, crisis intervention, and multi-disciplinary teamwork to sustain a safe, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities include engaging youth, supporting success plan goals, and coordinating activities, wellness, and education initiatives. The shift includes evenings; on-call as needed with a $20.00/hour rate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field preferred.
• Preferred experience with youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness or trafficking.
• Knowledge of public benefits and community in NJ.
• Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work well with others.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and ability to build positive rapport with young people.
• Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by concise, timely and professional correspondence, both written and verbal.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with an insurable record.

Responsibilities

• Provide unconditional positive regard to young people and support case management services.
• Welcome youth to program and explain structure, opportunities and access to supplies.
• Build supportive relationships that help youth find their voice and access opportunities.
• Support identified Success Plan goals and youth progress toward goals.
• Motivate youth to improve wellness, education, employment, financial literacy and social navigation goals.
• Document intake, orientation, transitions, and regular progress notes in HMIS/ETO.
• Cover front desk and other areas as assigned.
• Transport youth in agency vehicles when assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis de-escalation

Documentation

Team player

Adolescent development knowledge

Bilingual in Spanish

Driver's license

Public benefits knowledge NJ

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field

Job description

Covenant House New Jersey is seeking a dedicated Youth Engagement Specialist to support youth ages 18-24 in a trauma-informed, harm-reduction focused program. The role emphasizes documentation, crisis intervention, and multi-disciplinary teamwork to sustain a safe, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities include engaging youth, supporting success plan goals, and coordinating activities, wellness, and education initiatives. The shift includes evenings; on-call as needed with a $20.00/hour rate.