Family & Youth Outreach Specialist

Neighborhood Place of Puna•Keaau, HI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family & Youth Outreach Specialist conducts direct, trauma-informed street outreach to families and youth experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout East Hawai‘i. This position focuses on meeting people where they are—physically and emotionally—providing compassionate engagement, safety support, and connection to essential resources and case management support. The Outreach Specialist builds trust through consistent presence, empathy, and respect, working to reduce barriers to safety, stability, and housing.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
1 year serving vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of basic office software especially: MS Word or Google Docs, MS Excel or google sheets, and generally be familiar and comfortable using computers and various programs and apps.
Excellent computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with families, staff, and community members.
Knowledge of available community resources.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.
Proven organizational and planning skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain flexibility around task assignments.
Ability to establish, recognize, and adhere to appropriate professional boundaries.
Proven in providing direct service to families and/or individuals.
Valid Hawaii driver’s license and no-fault car insurance.
Clean driving abstract.
Criminal Record and/or DHS-CWS background check
Participate in the upkeep of office and general cleanliness of workspace

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree or higher
Resident of Puna/East Hawaii Community area preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular street outreach to unsheltered families and youth across East Hawai‘i, including rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Engage participants with empathy and respect, prioritizing safety, dignity, and trust-building in all interactions.
Provide immediate access to basic needs such as food, water, hygiene items, and clothing during outreach.
Identify and assess the needs of individuals and families, connecting them to shelter, housing navigation, case management, and supportive services.
Assist participants with obtaining identification, benefits, and other necessary documentation to reduce barriers to stability.
Coordinate with case managers and community partners to ensure seamless referrals and warm handoffs.
Document all outreach interactions, services provided, and participant progress accurately and promptly in the database system.
Participate in community outreach events and collaborative service efforts to strengthen partnerships and increase visibility of available resources.
Provide supportive responses in challenging situations, using trauma-informed, harm reduction, and de-escalation techniques to promote safety and stability.
Attend outreach team meetings, debriefings, and professional development trainings to continuously strengthen engagement practices.
Collaborate with community agencies, members, and organizations to become familiar with the services they offer.
Deliver all services with a high level of customer focus and service in accordance with training, NPP policies and procedures, program requirements, and direction from leadership.
Engage in active listening and use clear communication and verbal skills.
Document all pertinent data and information regarding work with individuals, agencies, and other community members promptly in accordance with company requirements.
Participate in organization planning.
Attend staff meetings and trainings
Attend community meetings as directed.
Update shared calendar to reflect activities, meetings, and general schedule.