Coordinated Entry ​/ Peer Coordinated Entry Specialist (CES

Covenant House California CES Specialist

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support for youth overcoming homelessness, ages 18-24. CHC believes that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves housing, food, clothing, education, and most importantly, to be loved. CHC provides a full continuum of services to meet the physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well-being of young people.

CHC's doors are open to youth and staff regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We believe that youth and team members deserve to be in an environment that is inclusive and affirming; where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and valued and appreciated for who they are. Maintaining a diverse community of youth and staff is key to our ability to achieve our mission most effectively.

We are also committed to being a leader in advancing anti-racism, and to promoting opportunities for the free expression of the lived experiences of our youth and staff.

We are looking for people who, like us, believe that every young person deserves a place to belong. We think it takes all kinds of people to create diverse solutions to end youth homelessness, and we are on a committed journey to build an inclusive and equitable work culture that brings out the best in everyone. In Alameda County, we primarily operate out of facilities in Oakland and Hayward.

In our Oakland location, which has been operating since 2005, we offer a full continuum of housing and support services to young people. Our program is continuing to grow and will be adding 20 new beds for young people over the next year. In our Hayward location, which recently opened in 2026, CHC offers housing and supportive services to young people in South Alameda County.

It is an exciting time to join a brand new program.

As this position provides direct care to young people that are 18-24 years old, we require that applicants are at least 25 years old.

Covenant House California offers an excellent benefits package, (most benefits effective date of hire), including medical, vision, dental, an EAP program, 403b retirement account, and a generous vacation package.

The CES (Co-ordinated Entry System) Specialist will be based in the Housing Resources Center (HRC) / Wellness Center in Oakland and Hayward and will work under the supervision of the Manager of Support Services. The position will be responsible for assisting/supporting the youth in completing CES assessments, assisting the young people in the wellness center with resources that meet their needs, linking them to services and supports, as well as provide workshops.

Work includes engaging with youth experiencing homelessness Alameda County, in other drop-in centers across the County, Junior College Campuses and in CHC Wellness Center.

The position works collaboratively with CHC teams, staff, and other service providers in the community. The position requires a passion and skill set for positive youth-engagement, the ability problem-solve creatively and comprehensive case management activities including building relationships, linkages, crisis prevention and intervention. Documentation, tracking and matching youth with housing via the CES are other responsibilities for this position.

• Model positive youth engagement and support throughout the Wellness Center to all young people experiencing homelessness. Maintain a safe youth-focused environment, support referrals and linkages for youth, provide support in the space, complete case management related tasks as assigned and lead/co-lead workshops and activities as needed.
• Support youth in completing Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments, housing navigation activities, referrals, and matching processes in alignment with Alameda County Coordinated Entry policies and procedures.
• Maintain strong understanding of community housing resources, mental health concerns, and other state, county, and community-based services relevant to youth experiencing homelessness. Support youth in accessing resources and opportunities related to Stable Housing, Education, Employment, Social & Emotional Well-Being, and Social & Permanent Connections.
• Provide housing problem-solving support to youth, including exploring natural supports, facilitating family or trusted adult reconnection (when appropriate), and assisting youth in identifying safe diversion and alternative housing options to prevent or reduce experiences of homelessness.
• Work with your supervisor and the team to create safe, inclusive and affirming spaces for all youth that we welcome into the HRC or Wellness Center space. Participate in any Youth Advisory Boards or Youth Action boards as appropriate. In addition, help youth get connected and engaged in those opportunities.
• Stay current on best practices related to trauma-informed care, harm…