Overnight Youth Engagement Specialist

J ob Title(s):
Youth Engagement Specialist

Department: Program

Reports To: Shift Supervisor

Classification: Non-Exempt

Date: 10/18/23

Revised : 6/1/26

Covenant House Illinois (CHIL), founded in 2017, provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness across Chicagoland and Illinois. Through trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and youth-centered services including shelter, workforce development, education, and clinical support CHIL empowers young people to achieve long-term stability and independence. With continued growth and expansion, CHIL is committed to strengthening service delivery through strong compliance, quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making.

The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is a core member of the residential team who provides direct, individualized care to youth in both our residential and drop-in programs. The YES supports youth who may have experienced homelessness, trauma, human trafficking, or other significant barriers. The position requires a compassionate and strengths-based approach to relationship-building, service delivery, and crisis management.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Trainings:
• Mandatory participation in ongoing professional development, team meetings, and agency-wide training.
• Assist with onboard training of new YES staff.

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

• 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, 3pm-11:30pm, 11:00pm-7:30am
• 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…