Youth Engagement Specialist - Plainfield VT

Position Summary:

Elevate Youth Services exists to ensure that young people have what they need to build the lives they want to live and become the people they want to be.

Our work is grounded in a Community of Care, a coordinated and relational network of supports that surrounds young people with safety, connection, and opportunity across programs, people, and places. Within this model, housing is not the end goal. It is a foundation for belonging, stability, and growth.

The Youth Engagement Specialist is a key part of this continuum. This role provides consistent, day-to-day support and connection for young people living in HOP House, helping to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and grounded in respect.

Youth Engagement Specialists build strong, positive relationships with residents and support them in developing the skills, confidence, and connections needed to move toward stability and independence. This role works closely with Case Managers and other staff to ensure that each young person experiences coordinated, whole-person support.

This position includes direct, one-on-one and group support for youth ages 18–24 living in short-term emergency shelter apartments, while longer-term housing solutions are identified and pursued.

Core Responsibilities

Relationship-Based Support

• Maintain a consistent, positive presence within HOP House
• Build authentic, trust-based relationships with residents
• Help create an environment where young people feel welcomed, valued, and respected

Daily Living & Skill Building

• Support residents in developing life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and shared living
• Engage youth in maintaining the living space, including cleaning, shopping, and meal planning
• Facilitate activities that promote health, wellness, and positive use of free time

Access & Coordination

• Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments and community activities
• Work alongside Case Managers to support youth in accessing benefits, services, and housing opportunities
• Support youth in developing and following through on housing and wellness plans

Connection & Community

• Help youth build connections to community resources, activities, and natural supports
• Encourage engagement in education, employment, and pro-social activities
• Foster a sense of belonging within the program and broader community

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of interactions and progress
• Complete required data entry in agency systems
• Communicate effectively with team members to support coordinated care

Team Participation

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing learning
• Collaborate across programs to support the broader Community of Care

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with youth or young adults preferred
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• Alignment with strengths-based and Positive Youth Development approaches
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building authentic connections
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfort with or willingness to learn data systems and computer applications
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
• Ability to navigate stairs, transport residents, and lift up to 25 pounds

Desired Qualities:

• Grounded, patient, and compassionate
• Flexible and able to respond to changing needs
• Engaged, energetic, and team-oriented
• Able to balance structure with empathy and care
• Committed to supporting young people through both challenges and successes

Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic, energetic, positive, team-oriented individuals with a high degree of professionalism. Youth Engagement Specialists are flexible, patient, and compassionate supporters of youth that can balance the successes and challenges program participants experience daily. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, caring, organized, have strong relationship-building skills and will serve as an effective advocate for youth served.

EYS believes in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. Candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the organization and are seeking an opportunity to meaningfully impact the lives of youth in Vermont are encouraged to apply.

Working Environment

HOP House is a dynamic residential environment where relationships are central to the work. Staff play an active role in shaping a supportive, engaging, and responsive program.

At Elevate, staff are part of a connected, collaborative team. The work is relational, hands-on, and grounded in shared responsibility for the well-being of young people.

This position is offered at 20 hours per week, and is not eligible for benefits.

Salary: $25/hr - $29/hr overnight shifts

Shifts available may include 4pm-9pm; 9pm-3am (awake); and 3am-9am (awake).

Applicants:

Please submit cover letter, resume and 3 references to:

Elevate Youth Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, including those with lived-experience or from underrepresented groups, to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Plainfield, VT 05667 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $29