Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth Engagement Specialist - Life Readiness Job Description Posted Monday, September 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM Job Purpose The Youth Engagement Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Life Readiness Team, will support program implementation and youth leadership and life skills activities, workshops, courses, and events at LC. This role includes assisting with the enrollment process, contributing to the development of programs, and providing general support over program cycles. The Specialist will work directly with youth involved in Life Readiness programming and may also be asked to support LC wide events for youth in collaboration with LC Pathway Teams. Liliʻuokalani Center programs are designed to engage youth ages 12 - 24 in the spectrum of adolescent development, providing kamaliʻi spaces, programming, and resources while creating a hub for youth co-development. Core to the LC program framework is the focus on centering Native Hawaiian youth voice around culture and connection in Hawaiʻi while promoting healing for early experiences that have created dissonance, challenge, or trauma. Events, activities and multi-week programs are designed to support kamaliʻi in deepening their awareness, discovery and understanding of cultural identity, community, and place while progressing through learning and developments that guide their transition to adult roles. Collaborate with the Life Readiness Team to provide support for enrollment, engagement and completion of programs at LC. Work directly with youth involved in programming, providing guidance and support under the direction of the Life Readiness Team. Build and sustain trusting relationships with youth, ensuring that engagement strategies are rooted in authentic rapport that encourages participation, fosters belonging, and supports the overall success of LC programs. Assist with program planning, implementation and monitoring; this will include the facilitation of life skill-themed educational groups. Assist with the opening, closing, and monitoring of facilities. Assist with transportation, as needed. Provide administrative support as needed, ensuring efficient coordination and documentation of program-related activities. Demonstrate awareness of and engagement with Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian culture and practices Other duties: Contribute to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and collaborating as we strive to attain the Trust’s strategic goals. Participate in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development. Evening and weekend hours required. Other duties as needed and assigned Qualifications Four-year degree related to education, workforce development, business, Hawaiian studies and/or four (4) years of equivalent experience (life and work), preferably with a Native Hawaiian organization. Demonstrated ability to use workplace technology platforms: laptop, web-based applications, project management tools/software, and communication platforms. Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively. Capacity to perform work in different settings (schools, public spaces, office, distressed communities, etc.) Valid driver’s license, clean traffic abstract TB clearance Liliʻuokalani Trust strongly believes in hiring individuals reflective of the community it serves, including lived experience, striving for representative diversity among its staff. Aloha: awareness and approach to the work with compassion, empathy, and kindness. ‘Imi Naʻauao: a constant desire for seeking knowledge; lifelong learner. Po’okele: desire to perform in excellence. Wiwoʻole: 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 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. Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values history, and culture, understanding its implication in one’s work, in fostering meaningful relationships, and in embracing the community served. 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. No'ono'o loi (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates information and develops and supports fact-based analyses and recommendations 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. Terms and Conditions of Employment As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to LT’s policies and procedures. Job Title: Youth Engagement Specialist – Life Readiness Reports to: Director, Life Readiness FLSA Status: Exempt Aligned Executive: Executive Director, Liliʻuokalani Center Liliʻuokalani Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to recruit, train, and retain innovative talent from a diverse candidate pool. All employment decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, marital/civil union status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, credit history, disability or veteran/military status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr