Youth Support Specialist II - Waianae

About the role

The Youth Support Specialist II (YSS II) provides professional casework, group work, and community-building services in direct support of LT program sites and the youth and families they serve. This role focuses on relationship-building, program implementation, supportive case coordination, and fostering safe, inclusive environments that promote belonging, resilience, and positive identity development.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of a safe, supportive environment that fosters belonging and positive identity development for all participants.
• Develops and maintains respectful and positive relationships with youth engaged in programs and services.
• Responds to behavioral escalations appropriately and respectfully, and provides appropriate follow-up as determined collaboratively with program team.
• Provides guidance and support, as needed and appropriate, for program teammates regarding appropriate interventions and supportive responses for youth.
• Collaborates in the development and implementation of youth development programming, including group work and other LT program offerings, offering a supportive, clinical perspective.
• Supports individuals and families in developing behaviors and strategies that address identified needs and build upon their existing resources and strengths, with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency.
• Works with youth to establish clear and achievable long- and short-range goals, outcomes, and indicators of success.
• Participates in program planning, budget development, and program and service evaluation.
• Accepts new assignments, helps team members, learns new skills, and strives to improve team and organizational results.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth.
• Participates in agency-wide meetings and committees as required.
• Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development.
• Holiday, evening, and weekend hours required as needed.
• Ability to travel as needed for Trust business.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related social or human services field OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least five years of progressively responsible, relevant experience.
• At least two years of post-Master’s experience in casework and a minimum of one year of community or macro-level experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working in or with Native Hawaiian communities, with cultural competency and an embodied understanding of Hawaiian values, practices, and worldview.
• Hawaiʻi State Professional Licensed Social Worker (LSW), preferred.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills, including the ability to tailor communications to different audiences and actively listen.
• High level of accuracy when handling paperwork and data entry.
• Capability to meet deadlines and manage schedules effectively.
• Ability to guide and support team members; flexibility to handle changing priorities and situations.
• Ability to navigate disagreements and resolve issues professionally.
• Valid driver’s license, clean traffic abstract, and access to a privately owned automobile with valid no-fault insurance.
• TB clearance required.
• First Aid and CPR/AED Certification preferred.
• Criminal history background check required as part of pre-employment process.

Key Required Competencies

• Collaboration: Ability to interact effectively with youth, families, community partners, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ethical Practice: Models the highest level of ethics, integrity, LT values and social responsibility.
• Communication: Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas to individuals or groups that engages the listener and invites response and feedback. Demonstrates good written, oral, and listening skills.
• Cultural Competence: Respects and relates well to people from varied backgrounds and is sensitive to group differences. Experience working with vulnerable youth and systems involved youth.
• Relationship Management: Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment; commitment and ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values and relationships.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well under pressure, remain calm and controlled when faced with difficult situations. Strives for immediate address.
• Relationship Building and Emotional Intelligence: Relatable, self-aware and empathetic with strong emotional intelligence.
• Culture Competence: Ready to support the Trust as it applies a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to all aspects of work.
• Organization Competencies: Alignment with Queen’s Legacy: Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s story, her legacy, and the Hawaiian culture is foundational to staff’s commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families, and communities.
• Hoʻomau i ka ʻImi Naʻauao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Hoʻike i na Manaʻo Pono (Effective Communication): Communicates with those we serve and each other in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• Noʻonoʻo Loi (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and evaluates information; develops and supports fact-based analyses and recommendations.
• Hoʻokumu Aʻe / ʻImi Hakuhia (Innovation): Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving.
• Pilina Hoʻohana a me ka Hana Hilinaʻi (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.
• Hoʻonui i ka ʻIke (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and a belief in the capacity of others.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking on uneven terrain.
• Some outdoor work on land assets is expected.