Job Title(s): Youth Engagement Specialist  

Department: Program  

Reports To: Director of Residential Services

Classification: Non-Exempt   

Date: 10/18/23   

Revised: 4/21/25 

Organization Overview  

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life-skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma-sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three-year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.    

Position Summary 

As a Youth Engagement Specialist (YES), you’ll be a vital part of our residential team, providing direct, individualized care to youth in both our residential and drop-in programs. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to support young people who may have experienced homelessness, trauma, human trafficking, or other significant challenges. You’ll bring a compassionate, strengths-based approach to building relationships, delivering services, and helping youth navigate moments of crisis, making a real difference every day.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Key Responsibilities: (Covenant House Illinois reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following) 

  1.  Mission and Standards of Procedure: 

  • Contribute to a clean and organized facility through light physical work and inspection of common spaces. 

  • Flexibility to work holidays and weekends as scheduled; holidays are distributed fairly across staff. 

  1. Relentless Engagement: 

  • Supervise and engage youth in day-to-day activities with empathy and respect, maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. 

  • Support youth in alignment with Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Positive Youth Development frameworks. 

  • Assist in the creation and implementation of individualized success plans for youth assigned for Relentless Engagement initiative. 

  • Serve meals to youth when kitchen staff are unavailable, and ensure space is cleaned up after meals have been completed. 

  • Prepare and distribute lunch bags to youth.  

  • Participate in wanding and bag checks of youth entering the space to ensure the safety of the facility. 

  • Participate in room searches when directed by supervisor. 

  • Routinely check and respond to emails and all other agency approved forms of communications in a timely manner. 

  • Facilitate group services, activities, and peer support meetings. 

  • Escort youth to external appointments and activities as needed. 

  • Assist youth with basic needs such as lockers, showers, laundry, and meals. 

  • Support youth from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ youth and those who may be navigating substance use or mental health concerns. 

  1. Documentation: 

  • Accurately document all interactions, shift notes, incident reports, groups, and service progress using agency systems such as ETO. 

  • Assist YDC Coordinator and Case Managers in completing YDC intakes for new youth. 

  • Ensure all of the duties for the location you are assigned to work have been completed each shift. 

  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with mandated reporting, HIPAA, duty to warn, and other legal standards. 

  1. Trainings: 

  • Mandatory participation in ongoing professional development, team meetings, and agency-wide training. 

  • Assist with onboard training of new YES staff.  

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social service field required; OR High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of relevant experience. 

Skills & Abilities 

  • 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: 7:00am-3:30pm

  • Shift Options: Friday-Tuesday, or Thursday-Monday

  • Willing to undergo MVR background check for clearance to drive agency van.  

  • 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. 

  • Strong organizational, time management, and decision-making skills. 

  • Demonstrated cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds and provide culturally competent services.  

  • Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and administer Narcan if necessary. 

  • Ability to pass all required federal, state, and local background checks. 

  • Physical ability to perform light labor, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs. 

  • Proficiency in or willingness to learn case management systems such as ETO 

  • Basic Microsoft Office knowledge required. 

Benefits 

  • Starting wage of $20/hour 

  • Double time pay for working on agency-defined holidays 

  • Low-cost Aetna Health Insurance 

  • Three weeks of paid vacation in the first year, increasing to four weeks after year one 

  • Separate paid sick time accrual 

  • Four personal days annually 

  • 12 paid holidays 

  • Participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution 

  • Long-Term Disability Plan 

  • On-site professional development and training opportunities 

Working Conditions 

This position requires the employee to work onsite in our office facility. Potential exposure to challenging behavioral situations or high-stress environments, requiring the ability to maintain composure and apply trauma-informed practices. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to verbally communicate, listen, stand for moderate periods of time, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally driving a minivan. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

At Covenant House Illinois, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. We know that a team with varied backgrounds and perspectives is stronger and better equipped to serve our youth. That’s why we foster a culture where every team member feels valued, heard, and supported.

We are committed to continuous learning, honest reflection, and creating opportunities for growth.

Covenant House Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We base all employment decisions on qualifications and business needs—without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Discrimination and harassment have no place here, and we welcome all qualified applicants to join our team.