Youth Engagement Specialist (Culinary)

Liliʻuokalani Trust • Honolulu, HI

1d

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 engagement, assisting with program facilitation, and maintaining operational reliability within established program structures. The YES I works directly with youth, offering guidance and support, and may provide administrative assistance as needed. YES workers contribute to the holistic wraparound supports provided to youth and their families.

At the Liliʻuokalani Center, a youth hub grounded in Hawaiian culture and informed by the adolescent experience, staff help Native Hawaiian youth connect with peers and mentors, access supportive services, and explore paths toward 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.

Requirements

• 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 required.
• Criminal history background check required as part of the pre-employment process.
• Ability to work within established structures, exercise sound judgment, and execute program plans with appropriate contextual adjustments.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to recognize high-risk situations and seek assistance or escalate decisions and responses.
• Commitment to developing facilitation and behavior-management skills and maintaining professional conduct and reliability.
• Ability to interact effectively with youth, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams; knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ethical practice, integrity, and commitment to LT values and social responsibility.
• Clear communication skills, including good written, oral, and listening skills.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to people from varied backgrounds and group differences.
• Experience working with vulnerable youth and youth involved with systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels and promote positive workplace relationships.
• Ability to remain calm and controlled under pressure and in difficult situations.
• Relatability, self-awareness, empathy, and strong emotional intelligence.
• Ability to support the Trust’s application of a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and frequently sit, stand, and walk on uneven terrain.

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 LT programs and services and foster belonging among participants.
• Model appropriate behavior, healthy relationships, and effective communication.
• Respond respectfully and appropriately to behavioral escalations and provide follow-up as determined by program teams.
• Support the inclusion of youth perspectives in program development and decisions, as appropriate.
• Welcome participants and families to program spaces.
• When appropriate, conduct outreach to recruit participants and raise awareness of LT programs and services.
• Assist with facilitating youth programs, activities, and groups.
• Carry out established program plans, making contextual adjustments to suit 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 assisting with movement through spaces.
• Help maintain safe, supportive program environments and follow safety protocols and supervision ratios.
• Assist with participant transportation when needed and appropriate.
• Assist with participant intake, enrollment, and welcoming new kamalei and ʻohana.
• Enter registration and consent-form data, including DocuSign forms.
• 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 professional development training.
• Travel as needed for Trust business.

What This Job Offers

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