Youth Engagement Specialist (Day 7 AM- 3:30 PM FT or PT)

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.