Youth Engagement Specialist I - Huliau Program

Liliʻuokalani Trust•Honolulu, HI

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist I (Huliau) supports opportunity youth through a strength-based, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental approach. The role helps young people develop independent and transitional living skills through positive reinforcement, mentoring, decision-making and problem-solving support, and non-punitive responses to natural consequences. The specialist works under the guidance of the Huliau Program Manager and Leadership Team and may work independently with youth individually and in groups, monitoring for crises or conflict. The specialist helps create a safe, welcoming environment in Lydia House’s on-site living programs and Engagement Center, builds relationships with young adults, addresses social-emotional needs, manages conflict, and supports adherence to the Aloha Agreement. The position works swing shifts based on program and youth needs: eight-hour shifts between 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, and weekend coverage from Saturday at 8:00 a.m. to Monday at 7:30 a.m. Holiday, evening, and weekend hours may be required as needed. Travel may be required to other Hawaiian Islands, the continent, and other locations for trainings and workshops. Lydia House serves opportunity youth ages 16 to 26 who may experience high-risk factors and involvement in systems of care. Its Huliau Program supports re-entry education and workforce development, with opportunities for financial and housing support. The position contributes to Lydia House’s work rooted in Hawaiian values and a healing-centered approach.

Requirements

Two-year degree related to social services or equivalent life and work experience.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Ability to perform frontline work in different settings, including schools, public spaces, offices, and distressed communities.
Ability to work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed.
Willingness to travel for trainings and workshops, including to other Hawaiian Islands, the continent, and other locations.
Competencies include compassion, empathy, kindness, lifelong learning, excellence, courage, sound judgment, responsibility, and accountability.
Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values, history, and culture, and understands their implications in work and relationships.
Demonstrates continuous learning, effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, innovation, relationship-building, teamwork, and capacity-building.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree preferred.
Lived experience or other experience reflective of the community served; Lydia House seeks representative diversity among its staff.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Huliau Program Manager, Huliau Shift Leaders, Clinical Director, Case Managers, and Executive Director to align the role with Lydia House’s purpose.
Promote a welcoming, trauma-informed environment.
Independently lead youth engagement activities and facilitate independent living skills individually and in groups.
Facilitate groups in collaboration with other Lydia House staff.
Help maintain a safe and positive environment, including preparing the facility and activity materials, keeping the facility clean and organized, and supporting food accessibility and the clothing closet.
Contribute to facility cleanliness, including sanitizing surfaces and washing blankets, sheets, towels, and other materials.
Support Leads and team members with tasks related to Lydia House activities.
Conduct prearranged room checks to support youth in following through on independent living skills and maintaining clean rooms.
Help youth navigate Lydia House services and access requested services or other special needs support.
Assist youth participating in Lydia House activities and provide assistance requested by Leads, including accompanying youth to outside appointments.
Elevate youth voices and communicate youth feedback to the Lydia House team about needed services.
Observe, collect, communicate, and report daily events and circumstances involving youth in the data management system.
Support staff administrative needs and participate in data collection, data entry, and reporting, including written narratives.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and workshops, and serve on internal and external committees supporting Lydia House outcomes.
Address immediate basic needs, including social-emotional support, mentorship, and supportive activities for young adults.
Set and support alignment with rules established in the Aloha Agreement.
Work with on-premises security and the manager on call to respond to urgent needs; monitor and de-escalate conflict.
Accept new assignments, assist team members, learn new skills, and work to improve team and organizational results.
Attend relevant trainings and workshops that support Lydia House outcomes.
Perform other duties as required.