Youth Engagement Specialist - 11P - 7A

Covenant House Texas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House Texas is seeking a Youth Engagement Specialist for the 11:00 PM–7:00 AM shift to provide direct, supportive engagement with assigned youth. The role emphasizes safety, crisis response, and collaboration with staff and partners.

The YES must demonstrate empathy, adapt to a flexible schedule including weekends/holidays, and apply trauma‑informed care principles while documenting progress and participating in team meetings.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; higher education in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred.
• Ability to relate to at-risk youth with empathy and demonstrate understanding of adolescent development.
• Self-motivation, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing learning.
• Must be dependable and report to work in a timely manner; flexible schedule including weekends/holidays.
• Approachability, rapport-building, and active listening are essential.
• Understand and comply with agency policies and Child Protection policies.
• Ability to manage conflict calmly and provide trauma-informed responses in crises.

Responsibilities

• Maintain actual contact with every assigned youth during each shift.
• Provide face-to-face support and intervention in multiple settings (Youth Engagement Center, Safe Haven, Rights of Passage).
• Assist in documentation for youth files and reporting as directed.
• Help youth achieve plan outcomes and build collaborations with community partners.
• Engage youth in educational, vocational, and life-skills programming.
• Plan and support engagement activities with staff and external partners.
• Ensure safety and security of youth and facilities at all times.
• Complete intakes, discharges, and basic program operations; assist with crisis response.

Skills

Self-motivation

Dependability

Active listening

Flexibility

Trauma-informed care

Empathy

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

GED

Human Services

Social Work

Psychology

Job description

Youth Engagement Specialist 11PM-7AM

Job Details

• Department: Safe Haven or Transitional Living.
• Position: Youth Engagement Specialist (YES).
• Reports to: Program Services Coordinator and/or Lead YES.
• FLSA: Non-Exempt.
• Shifts Available: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
• Days Off: Wednesday/Thursday

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 the course of 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.
• 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 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 in a timely manner and work a flexible schedule outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Is approachable, builds rapport well, and practices attentive and active listening.
• Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
• 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; able to respond quickly and safely and serve as a settling influence in crisis situations 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.