Youth Engagement Specialist (Culinary)

Liliuokalani Trust • Honolulu, HI

2d • $19 - $24

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist I (YES I) is a frontline youth development practitioner who supports safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for youth across Liliʻuokalani Trust programs and sites. The role focuses on building trusting relationships, supporting youth participation and general engagement, assisting with program facilitation, and maintaining operational reliability within established program structures. The YES I works directly with youth involved in programming, offering guidance and support, and may provide administrative assistance as needed. YES workers are an integral part of the holistic wraparound supports provided to youth and their families.

At the Liliʻuokalani Center, a youth hub grounded in Hawaiian culture and an understanding of the adolescent experience, the role supports opportunities for Native Hawaiian youth to connect with peers and mentors, access supportive services, and explore pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity. The Center offers a safe, pro-social space for youth to pursue interests in arts, sports, technology, life readiness, and wellness while receiving wraparound supports.

The position reports to the Manager, Kīpuka Services, is nonexempt, and is based at the Liliʻuokalani Center in the Programs department. Holiday, evening, and weekend hours are required as needed, and travel for Trust business may be required.

Requirements

• A two-year degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of experience working with youth in a program, school, community, or residential setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with Native Hawaiian communities and youth.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with young people and families.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow program structures and protocols.
• Valid driver's license, clean traffic abstract, and access to a privately owned automobile with valid no-fault insurance.
• TB clearance.
• Criminal history background check as part of the pre-employment process.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and frequently sit, stand, and walk on uneven terrain; some outdoor work on land assets is expected.
• Ability to travel as needed for Trust business.
• Availability for holiday, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
• Ability to work within established structures, exercise sound judgment, and execute program plans with appropriate contextual adjustments.
• Ability to work respectfully within a multidisciplinary team, seek assistance in high-risk situations, and know when to escalate decisions or responses.
• Commitment to developing facilitation and behavior-management skills and maintaining professional conduct and reliability.
• Competencies in collaboration, ethical practice, communication, cultural competence, relationship management, interpersonal skills, relationship building, and emotional intelligence.
• Readiness to support the Trust's application of a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to all aspects of work.

Nice To Haves

• First Aid and CPR/AED Certification.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain respectful, positive relationships with youth, families, and community members.
• Encourage youth participation in Trust programs and services and foster a sense of belonging.
• Model appropriate behavior, healthy relationships, and effective communication.
• Respond appropriately and respectfully to behavioral escalations and provide follow-up as determined by program teams.
• Support the inclusion of youth voice in program development and decisions, as appropriate.
• Welcome participants and families to program spaces.
• Conduct outreach as appropriate to recruit participants and raise awareness of Trust programs and services.
• Assist with facilitating youth-facing programs, activities, and groups.
• Execute pre-established program plans and make contextual adjustments to respond to the environment and participant needs.
• Prepare materials and reset program spaces before and after activities.
• Support transitions and participation logistics, including signing participants in and out and helping them move through spaces.
• Help maintain safe, supportive program environments and follow safety protocols and supervision ratios.
• Assist with participant transportation as needed and appropriate.
• Assist with participant intake, program enrollment, and welcoming new kamalei and ʻohana.
• Enter registration and consent-form data, including through DocuSign.
• Complete basic documentation of activities and participant behaviors.
• Provide operational support as needed, including program logistics, front desk and phone coverage, NetSuite, mileage logs, and vendor appointments.
• Communicate observations and concerns to supervisors and contribute to a healthy team and program community.
• Participate in team meetings, Communities of Practice, and trainings.
• Accept new assignments, support team members, and contribute to improving organizational impact.
• Participate in continuing education and training for professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree