Youth Engagement Specialist (Part Time Mid Shift- 1pm-6pm)

Covenant House New Orleans; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Part time

Job summary

Covenant House New Orleans is seeking a part-time Youth Engagement Specialist to foster a safe, supportive environment for youths experiencing homelessness. The YES will build trusting relationships, promote life skills, and support access to housing, education, employment, and health services within a trauma-informed framework.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and at least one year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• At least 1 year of youth or human services experience.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Youth engagement and relationship building.
• Promote life skills and support individualized service plans.
• Coordinate with case managers and community partners.
• Support safety, crisis de-escalation, and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist with housing, education, employment, and health services access.
• Maintain confidential records and documentation.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Youth engagement

Effective communication

Crisis intervention

Relationship building

Cultural humility

Time management

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HMIS

ETO

Job description

Job Location: 611 N Rampart Street - New Orleans, LA 70112

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $17.00

About Covenant House New Orleans

Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) is committed to providing shelter, support, and opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Guided by trauma-informed care and the belief that every young person deserves dignity, respect, and hope, we help youth build pathways toward stability and independence.

Position Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for youth experiencing homelessness. This position focuses on building trusting relationships, promoting life skills development, supporting individualized service plans, and ensuring youth have access to the resources needed to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

The YES works collaboratively with youth, staff, and community partners to provide trauma-informed support while fostering personal growth, resilience, and independence.

Essential Responsibilities

• Youth Engagement & Relationship Building

• Build positive, trusting relationships with youth through consistent, respectful, and supportive interactions.


• Use trauma-informed practices to engage youth in a non-judgmental and empowering manner.


• Create a safe and welcoming environment that promotes stability and belonging.


• Encourage participation in educational, recreational, and life skills activities.


• Model professional communication and respectful behavior at all times.

• Daily Living Support

• Monitor youth activities and whereabouts to help maintain a safe environment.


• Support youth in developing healthy personal care and hygiene routines.


• Assist youth in building independent living skills appropriate to their developmental needs.


• Supervise and encourage completion of household responsibilities and shared living expectations.


• Reinforce accountability and responsibility through positive coaching and support

• Case Management & Service Support

• Support case managers in monitoring youth progress toward individualized goals.


• Assist youth in accessing services related to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and mental health.


• Help youth identify strengths, set goals, and take active steps toward self-sufficiency.


• Advocate for youth while respecting their choices and self-determination.

• Resource Coordination

• Connect youth with internal and community-based resources.


• Assist with referrals to housing, employment, healthcare, educational, and supportive services.


• Support youth development through life skills coaching, including financial literacy, job readiness, and self-care.


• Ensure equitable and culturally responsive access to services.

• Crisis Intervention

• Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches.


• Ensure immediate safety and support for youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, or situational crises.


• Help address basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support.

• Documentation & Compliance

• Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.


• Maintain case notes and activity records in ETO, HMIS, and other designated systems.


• Document incidents, interventions, and significant events according to agency policies.


• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards in all recordkeeping.

• Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with case managers, residential staff, mental health professionals, and community partners.


• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events.


• Support a positive team culture focused on youth success and well-being.


• Adhere to all Covenant House New Orleans policies and procedures.

• Safety & Emergency Response

• Follow all safety, emergency response, and confidentiality protocols.


• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, behavioral crises, evacuations, and other urgent situations.


• Report incidents, concerns, and safety risks promptly.


• Help maintain a secure and supportive environment for youth, staff, and visitors.

• Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, youth development, mental health awareness, and related topics.


• Maintain professional growth and awareness of best practices for serving vulnerable youth populations.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.


• Valid driver\'s license.


• At least one (1) year of experience working with youth, human services, residential programs, homelessness services, education, behavioral health, or a related field.


• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.


• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor\'s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education, Counseling, or a related field.


• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, or system involvement.


• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and youth development practices.


• Experience using HMIS, ETO, or similar case management software.


• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Trauma-informed and youth-centered approach


• Effective communication and active listening


• Crisis intervention and de-escalation


• Relationship building and engagement


• Cultural humility and inclusiveness


• Time management and organization


• Teamwork and collaboration


• Adaptability and problem-solving


• Professional documentation and recordkeeping

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.


• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations.


• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in residential and community-based environments.


• Position may involve exposure to challenging situations requiring patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.


• Some local travel within the Greater New Orleans area may be required.


• Non-traditional work hours may be necessary to meet program needs.

Covenant House New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.