ʻOhana Engagement Specialist II

About the role

The ʻOhana Engagement Specialist II provides direct program support for Early Childhood (EC) initiatives which supports families with young Native Hawaiian children aged 0-5. The ʻOhana Engagement Specialist II plans, coordinates, and facilitates group-based programs that strengthen parent-child relationships, promote family well-being, and increase parent independence.

Responsibilities

• Applies a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to support families focusing on overall wellbeing, stability and independence.
• Collaboratively leads the conceptualization and development of new program initiatives or enhancements to existing programming, including crafting program plans, outlining curriculum, coordinating budget considerations, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and participant needs.
• Create a safe and supportive environment that fosters belonging and positive identity formation for all program participants.
• Design and facilitate curriculum with integration of LT values, cultural grounding, infant mental health principals and early childhood development models.
• Coach participants toward individual growth and goal progression in group settings.
• Track participant engagement, adjust instruction and programming in real time, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Support program evaluation activities including data collection, registration and consent form management, and program outcome reporting.
• Lead logistical implementation of programming, including data entry, scheduling, and coordination of program resources (e.g. staffing, facilities, transportation, food, supplies, etc.).
• Ensures the cleanliness and safety of program spaces (on/off site).
• Collaborates with other EC teammates to meet the various needs of families and adapt group learning to reflect those needs.
• Afford assistance with participant intake, assessments, program enrollment, and the welcoming of new keiki and families.
• Complete data entry of registration and consent forms, including DocuSign and Hoʻokele.
• Provide operations support with program logistics, front desk and phone coverage, NetSuite, Ramp, mileage logs, and vendor appointments.
• Develop and maintain strong outreach connections with individuals, families, groups, and communities to support program engagement and retention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, infant mental health, family support, community-based programming, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating youth programming, groups, or structured learning experiences required.

Other Duties

• Performs written and electronic recordkeeping functions as required for LT’s internal database on a timely basis.
• Works in tandem with LT teammates to integrate services across the agency.
• Supports with referrals to/from LT’s Mālama Line.
• Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organization results.
• Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Competencies

• Aloha: awareness and approach to the work with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• ‘Imi Na’auao: a constant desire for seeking knowledge; lifelong learner.
• Po’okele: desire to perform in excellence.
• Wiwo’ole: maintain a courageous, brave, and fearless mindset.
• Pono: understand the appropriateness of time, place, reason, people, and tools.
• Kuleana: bring a deep sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Ability to work flexible hours when nessary, including nights and weekends.
• Collaboration: Ability to interact effectively with youth, community partners, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ethical Practice: Model the highest level of ethical behavior, integrity, and social responsibility. Uphold and embody all LT values.
• Communication: Clearly convey and receive information and ideas. Engage the listener and invite response and feedback. Demonstrate strong written, oral, and listening skills.
• Cultural Competence: Respect and relate well to people from varied backgrounds and sensitive to group differences.
• Relationship Management: Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment; ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values and relationships.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well under pressure and to remain calm and controlled when faced with challenging situations.
• Organization Competencies: Alignment with Queen’s legacy: Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliuokalani’s story, her legacy and the Hawaiian Culture is foundational to staff’s commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families and communities.
• Ho`omau i ka `imi Na`auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Ho`ike i na Mana`o Pono (Effective Communication): Communicates with those we serve and each other in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• Ho'o kumu a'e or `Imi hakuhia (Innovation): Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving.
• Pilina Ho`ohana a me ka Hana Hilina`i (Building Relationships and Creating Trust): Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and move the organization forward.
• Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork): Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization's objectives.
• Ho`onui I ka `Ike (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and a belief in the capacity of others.

Mental And Physical Demands

• Perform light physical work, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting weight of up to 25 pounds.
• Exposed to outdoor climate and diverse terrain.