Lead Youth Engagement Specialist - Evenings

Position: Lead Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) - Evening Shift

Department: Program Services: Safe Haven, Rights of Passage, YEC

Reports to: Program Services Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Shift: Overnights 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Days Off: Sunday and Monday

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

• Takes the lead in training, mentoring, and advising other YES staff
• May supervise in some instances shift (Safe Haven) or other YES program staff (ROP)
• 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
• Assist in the documentation for youth files, and ETO reporting, assist youth in accomplishing 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
• Take the lead with the team to plan, implement, and support engagement activities facilitated by internal staff and external partners
• Ensure the safety and whereabouts of youth at all times and security of buildings and property are maintained
• Performs intakes, and discharges, answers phones, 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 engage in personal and professional growth and competence development, participate in organization training activities to increase capacity to serve youth every day
• Keep supervisor fully informed at all times
• Participates in team, shift change, and staff meetings
• Performs other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by the supervisor
  
  

Position Requirements

• A college degree in Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology preferred
• Some supervisory experience 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 check required
• Must be able to perform the physical activities and mental abilities of the job with or without accommodation