Teen Engagement Specialist - Kaimuki

YMCA of Honolulu • Honolulu, HI

7d • $19 - $23

About The Position

The Teen Engagement Specialist designs and leads student-centered clubs and activities for youth in grades 6 through 12. In collaboration with YMCA leadership and program participants, the Specialist creates after-school sports experiences that reflect teen interests and promote youth voice and inclusion. The role also encourages connections with community members and organizations that support student interests.

The Specialist helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that supports program goals and student growth. The position contributes to program improvement, youth engagement, and teen development, and may assist with coordinating activities and mentoring junior staff.

Requirements

• At least 6 months of experience facilitating instruction, with an emphasis on youth requiring academic intervention.
• Skill in general youth program group or classroom management.
• Ability to implement engaging academic activities and promote healthy study habits.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of age-appropriate curriculum for the assigned subject in accordance with HIDOE standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills; customer-service orientation; and the ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks.
• Understanding of working with teens, group management, and group work.
• Experience engaging middle and high school youth in recreation, leadership development, service learning, civic engagement, college and career pathways, or other personal development areas.
• Mature judgment and sound decision-making.
• Collaborative and flexible approach that elevates youth voice and creates opportunities in areas where the candidate may not have expertise.
• Ability to model professionalism and competency for peers and employees.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification; training is available upon hire.
• Successful completion of comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.
• Commitment to preventing child abuse, maintaining professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Windows 10 or later, and Canva.
• General office operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive work and learning environment for staff and participants that encourages effort, effective communication, and camaraderie.
• Support program improvement to provide an enriching participant experience, promote personal growth and community engagement, and encourage teens to return.
• Communicate consistently and professionally with participants, parents, coworkers, and others associated with the program.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, providing effective communication and customer service.
• Assist in supervising and guiding junior staff, providing mentorship and support as needed.
• Research and develop creative programs, workshops, activities, and engagement methods focused on teen development.
• Suggest program ideas, participate in staff meetings, and provide feedback on improvements.
• Assist with coordinating events and activities that promote student engagement and motivation.
• Facilitate programming that encourages exploration and positive play in an inclusive environment.
• Apply knowledge of the YMCA mission, values, purpose, goals, policies, and standards to help ensure program quality.

Benefits

• Free YMCA membership with employment.
• Referral bonuses, payable as cash or YMCA credit.
• Up to 60% discounts for the employee, family members, and siblings on YMCA programs, camps, preschool, childcare, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED