COVENANT HOUSE NEW ORLEANS·New Orleans, Louisiana
The Youth Engagement Specialist provides trauma-informed support to youth experiencing homelessness by building trusting relationships and assisting with daily living needs. They also collaborate with staff to monitor progress, coordinate resources, and ensure a safe, secure environment through crisis intervention.
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. Qualifications Qualifications Required High school diploma or GED. Valid driver's license. At least one (1) year of experience working with youth, human services, residential programs, homelessness services, education, behavioral health, or a related field. Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education, Counseling, or a related field. Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, or system involvement. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and youth development practices. Experience using HMIS, ETO, or similar case management software. Bilingual skills are a plus. Skills & Competencies Trauma-informed and youth-centered approach Effective communication and active listening Crisis intervention and de-escalation Relationship building and engagement Cultural humility and inclusiveness Time management and organization Teamwork and collaboration Adaptability and problem-solving Professional documentation and recordkeeping Physical Requirements Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations. Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Working Conditions Work is performed in residential and community-based environments. Position may involve exposure to challenging situations requiring patience, professionalism, and sound judgment. Some local travel within the Greater New Orleans area may be required. 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.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in human services, youth work, or a related field. A valid driver's license and the ability to work flexible overnight shifts are required.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Louisiana are often driven by ongoing demand for licensed clinicians who can support individuals with serious mental illness in community and outpatient settings. These positions can be competitive because employers typically look for active Louisiana licensure, at least two years of relevant experience, and a valid driver's license, while benefits such as dental, vision, paid holidays, sick leave, and an employee assistance program may help offset the workload. Before applying, confirm your licensure status and driver’s license are current, and note that the requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time.