Youth Engagement Specialist - 3P - 11P

Covenant House Texas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House Texas in Houston seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist to provide hands-on support to youth in our shelter programs, focusing on education, life skills, and trauma-informed care. This full-time role requires strong communication, teamwork, and a commitment to safety, confidentiality, and youth-centered outcomes.

You will engage youth daily, document progress, and collaborate with partner agencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; further education in Human Services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with at-risk youth using trauma-informed approaches.
• Flexibility to work evenings and varied shifts; dependable attendance.

Responsibilities

• The Youth Engagement Specialist maintains actual contact with assigned youth during each shift.
• Provide face-to-face support in multiple settings and assist in documenting youth files.
• Engage youth in educational, vocational, and life-skill programming.
• Plan and support engagement activities with internal staff and external partners.
• Ensure safety, security, and confidentiality; participate in meetings and reporting.
• Address conflicts and crisis situations with calm, supportive approaches.
• Complete intake/discharge procedures and assist with data entry in reporting systems.

Skills

Youth engagement

Trauma-informed care

Communication skills

Teamwork

Crisis intervention

Flexibility

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Further education in Human Services or related field

Job description

Youth Engagement Specialist - Full Time

Hours: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

Schedule: Varies.

Days Off: Varies.

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

• The Youth Engagement Specialist is expected to 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.
• As directed by PSC or Lead YES, 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.
• Work with the team to plan, implement, and support engagement activities facilitated by internal staff and external partners.
• Always ensure the safety and whereabouts of youth and security of buildings and property are maintained.
• Performs intakes, and discharges, answers phones, and assists in the operating and basic needs of the youth in the programs.
• Provide specific trauma-informed services to assist youth in successful outcomes.
• Relentlessly show up and be present in young people’s lives, especially through times of relapse and crisis.
• 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.
• Participates in the team, shift change, and staff meetings.
• Interviews youth and enters data into various reporting systems.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High School Diploma or GED required; further education in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred.
• Basic computer skills. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Must be dependable and able to report to work promptly and work a flexible schedule outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Is approachable, builds rapport well, and practices attentive and active listening.
• 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.

Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.