Youth Engagement Specialist (Nancy's Place)
Covenant House New Jersey, Montclair, NJ, United States
Job Description
The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) has excellent communication and organizational skills and provides support to young people that is strength-based, trauma-informed and harm reduction focused. The YES models our mission of providing absolute respect and unconditional love to all young people and values working within a multi‑disciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment for all.
Responsibilities
Provide unconditional positive regard to young people regardless of background.
Engage in case management to develop positive relationships with youth, utilizing the Case Management System.
Welcome youth, ensuring they feel comfortable, safe and understand program structure and opportunities.
Build supportive relationships encouraging youth to find their voice and connect them to enriching opportunities.
Conduct required assessments and document in file and data systems.
Develop and periodically update Success Plans with each young person.
Maintain a calendar of work schedules, appointments, in alignment with the Success Plan.
Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and make appropriate referrals.
Engage in positive transition planning and coach youth toward self‑identified goals.
Monitor progress and encourage wellness, education, employment and financial literacy goals.
Track medication logs where applicable.
Assist with daily house activities, chores, dining, gym, moving around town, and bus tickets.
Explore and participate with youth in external activities such as trips, parks, campus visits.
Provide crisis de‑escalation and intervention per training and best practices.
Document daily notes into ETO and case files, complete intake, orientation, success planning, medication, incident and activity logs.
Prepare presentations for case review meetings and facilitate group activities supporting the five resilience objectives: Wellness, Social Navigation, Financial Literacy, Education, and Employment.
Attend daily community meetings, weekly supervision, professional development, and other assigned duties.
Respond to emails, voicemails and agency communications in a timely manner.
Cover front desk when required and utilize agency resources responsibly.
Assist with fundraising affairs and special events as needed.
Required Experience
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field preferred.
Experience working with young people ages 18‑24 experiencing homelessness or human trafficking.
Knowledge of public benefits and community resources in New Jersey.
Self‑starter, team player, strong communication skills and concise correspondence.
Valid NJ driver’s license and safe driving record; may need to transport clients or staff.
Schedule
Applicant must be available to work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM; days off Tuesday and Wednesday.
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Ten paid holidays
403(b) retirement plan
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) has excellent communication and organizational skills and provides support to young people that is strength-based, trauma-informed and harm reduction focused. The YES models our mission of providing absolute respect and unconditional love to all young people and values working within a multi‑disciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive environment for all.
Responsibilities
Provide unconditional positive regard to young people regardless of background.
Engage in case management to develop positive relationships with youth, utilizing the Case Management System.
Welcome youth, ensuring they feel comfortable, safe and understand program structure and opportunities.
Build supportive relationships encouraging youth to find their voice and connect them to enriching opportunities.
Conduct required assessments and document in file and data systems.
Develop and periodically update Success Plans with each young person.
Maintain a calendar of work schedules, appointments, in alignment with the Success Plan.
Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and make appropriate referrals.
Engage in positive transition planning and coach youth toward self‑identified goals.
Monitor progress and encourage wellness, education, employment and financial literacy goals.
Track medication logs where applicable.
Assist with daily house activities, chores, dining, gym, moving around town, and bus tickets.
Explore and participate with youth in external activities such as trips, parks, campus visits.
Provide crisis de‑escalation and intervention per training and best practices.
Document daily notes into ETO and case files, complete intake, orientation, success planning, medication, incident and activity logs.
Prepare presentations for case review meetings and facilitate group activities supporting the five resilience objectives: Wellness, Social Navigation, Financial Literacy, Education, and Employment.
Attend daily community meetings, weekly supervision, professional development, and other assigned duties.
Respond to emails, voicemails and agency communications in a timely manner.
Cover front desk when required and utilize agency resources responsibly.
Assist with fundraising affairs and special events as needed.
Required Experience
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field preferred.
Experience working with young people ages 18‑24 experiencing homelessness or human trafficking.
Knowledge of public benefits and community resources in New Jersey.
Self‑starter, team player, strong communication skills and concise correspondence.
Valid NJ driver’s license and safe driving record; may need to transport clients or staff.
Schedule
Applicant must be available to work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM; days off Tuesday and Wednesday.
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Ten paid holidays
403(b) retirement plan
#J-18808-Ljbffr