Youth Engagement Specialist

Located in East Garfield Park, Covenant House Illinois provides youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness with shelter and safety, trust and community, and a better tomorrow.

Purpose of Position:

This position provides direct, individualized, supportive care through purposeful engagement with youth who reside in our residential program and/or who attend the drop-in program while establishing positive rapport with peers and partnering agencies.

Requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, or a social service field preferred; or High School Diploma with 5-10 years of related experience.
• Display effective written, verbal, listening and communication skills
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in crisis situations, with effective interpersonal skills
• Must be willing to function as an active and engaged member of an interdisciplinary team.
• As a 24/7 program, full time staff work some holidays and weekends. All efforts are made to equitably distribute holidays amongst staff.
• Shift hours are 3pm-11:30pm
• Willingness and ability to attain CPR/First Aid Certification and Narcan.
• Pass federal, state, and local background check investigations.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure the provision of Trauma Informed Care and the highest quality delivery of services to youth in accordance with the Covenant House Mission Statement and Principles and Core Values.
• Assist in the implementation of youth Success Plans.
• Have an understanding of and support the implementation of Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Restorative Justice and Positive Youth Development.
• Participate in required training and team meetings.
• Supervise all youth activities in the space and engage youth in a positive manner.
• Ensure a safe (emotionally and physically) environment for all youth.
• Escort youth to external activities.

• Facilitate and monitor group support services including activities and meetings.

• Timely document information in ETO regarding all client interactions
• Ensure accurate and timely tracking, documentation, and reporting of data and statistics as required for agency reports using ETO.
• Respect client confidentiality while understanding and complying with requirements of mandated reporting, duty to warn, HIPAA, and other limits to confidentiality.
• Assist youth with daily activities such as signing up for a locker, accessing shower facilities and/or support with laundry services.
• Ensure that all common areas in CHIL are operational and able to be used. This includes ensuring the space is clean and free from safety hazards.
• Follow protocols if space needs cleaning or attention from the Facilities Manager
• Be willing to participate in being a Primary YES if identified for youth
• Able to engage in the process of the multidisciplinary team meetings for your primary youth
• Participate in clinical consultations
• Participate in special projects which enhance the experience of the youth and create a safe and welcoming environment
• Provide assistance with events/activities as assigned.
• Engage with youth who may have mental health challenges or using substances.
• Have knowledge and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population

• Perform all additional job duties as assigned.
• Required to do light physical work including cleaning and organizing.
• Regularly required to remain stationary for some periods of time; use hands and fingers; communicate; move; occasionally required to position self to stoop, kneel or crouch; frequently required to reach with and use arms and hands.
• Must be able to walk upstairs and lift up to 10 lbs.

• Work environment for this position includes an offices and residential space with a low to high noise level