Shift leader, Social Work

About this position

About Covenant House New York

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long‑term transformation and hope.

About the role

The Crisis Shelter (Shelter) Shift Leader (SL) role is to be the main person during a shift to ensure continuity of services for up to 120 youth residing at the 41st Street Crisis Shelter program and the staff on site. The SL will report to the Program Coordinator and will follow directives from the Direct Service Managers. The Shift Leader will support all aspects of the program.

The SL will serve as the point person in the building during their assigned shift and assist youth living at the site holistically, providing motivation, engagement, and encouragement where needed. The SL will be responsible for working with youth and other staff to keep the site safe, clean, and well‑maintained.

What you’ll do

• Welcomes youth to the site and orients youth to site expectations.
• Performs youth engagement and program support.
• Engages, supervises, and supports youth residing at the Shelter sites.
• Ensures that the site, including youths' rooms, is clean and in good condition.
• Ensures youth comply with curfew expectations and schedule structure.
• Assists youth with preparation for their day.
• Monitors programs and youth activities to promote a safe and secure environment.
• Engages with youth during mealtimes and works with youth to facilitate post‑meal cleanup.
• Assists youth with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Provides support to the Direct Service Managers and Case Managers, including managing youth appointments, collecting/filing paperwork, and digital file maintenance.
• Maintains accurate records in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) electronic case management system. This includes documenting engagements and other touchpoints. Completing Incident and behavior communication reports as per regulations.
• Follow program procedures as directed.
• Maintains healthy, supportive relationships with youth, with appropriate boundaries.
• Participates in recreational and holiday activities at the site and off‑site trips when applicable or needed.
• Completes and submits incident reports by the end of the shift.
• De‑escalates crises; attends to emergencies following agency protocol, as needed.
• Communicates with staff to ensure safe and secure operations at all times.
• Ensures sufficient staffing at the Shelter sites.
• Coordinates crisis interventions and ensures appropriate follow‑up.
• Assigns tasks to staff as needed or as instructed by the Direct Service Managers and Program Coordinators and ensures completion of assigned tasks and follow‑up.
• Performs operational tasks as assigned by the Direct Service Managers and the Program Coordinators.
• Serve as point person for program communication during assigned shifts.
• Will assign breaks according to company policy.
• Must be willing to work in an environment where precautions for communicative diseases and health…