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.
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.
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Build positive, trusting relationships with youth through consistent, respectful, and supportive interactions.
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Use trauma-informed practices to engage youth in a non-judgmental and empowering manner.
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Create a safe and welcoming environment that promotes stability and belonging.
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Encourage participation in educational, recreational, and life skills activities.
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Model professional communication and respectful behavior at all times.
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Monitor youth activities and whereabouts to help maintain a safe environment.
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Support youth in developing healthy personal care and hygiene routines.
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Assist youth in building independent living skills appropriate to their developmental needs.
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Supervise and encourage completion of household responsibilities and shared living expectations.
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Reinforce accountability and responsibility through positive coaching and support
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Support case managers in monitoring youth progress toward individualized goals.
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Assist youth in accessing services related to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and mental health.
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Help youth identify strengths, set goals, and take active steps toward self-sufficiency.
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Advocate for youth while respecting their choices and self-determination.
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Connect youth with internal and community-based resources.
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Assist with referrals to housing, employment, healthcare, educational, and supportive services.
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Support youth development through life skills coaching, including financial literacy, job readiness, and self-care.
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Ensure equitable and culturally responsive access to services.
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Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches.
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Ensure immediate safety and support for youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, or situational crises.
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Help address basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support.
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Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
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Maintain case notes and activity records in ETO, HMIS, and other designated systems.
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Document incidents, interventions, and significant events according to agency policies.
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Maintain confidentiality and professional standards in all recordkeeping.
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Work collaboratively with case managers, residential staff, mental health professionals, and community partners.
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Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
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Support a positive team culture focused on youth success and well-being.
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Adhere to all Covenant House New Orleans policies and procedures.
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Follow all safety, emergency response, and confidentiality protocols.
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Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, behavioral crises, evacuations, and other urgent situations.
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Report incidents, concerns, and safety risks promptly.
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Help maintain a secure and supportive environment for youth, staff, and visitors.
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Participate in ongoing training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, youth development, mental health awareness, and related topics.
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Maintain professional growth and awareness of best practices for serving vulnerable youth populations.
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High school diploma or GED.
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Valid driver's license.
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At least one (1) year of experience working with youth, human services, residential programs, homelessness services, education, behavioral health, or a related field.
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Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.
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Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
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Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education, Counseling, or a related field.
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Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, or system involvement.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and youth development practices.
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Experience using HMIS, ETO, or similar case management software.
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Bilingual skills are a plus.
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Trauma-informed and youth-centered approach
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Effective communication and active listening
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Crisis intervention and de-escalation
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Relationship building and engagement
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Cultural humility and inclusiveness
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Time management and organization
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Adaptability and problem-solving
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Professional documentation and recordkeeping
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Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
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Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.
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Work is performed in residential and community-based environments.
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Position may involve exposure to challenging situations requiring patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.
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Some local travel within the Greater New Orleans area may be required.
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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.
