Youth Support Specialist II - Waianae

Location: Waianae

Job Purpose

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.

The YSS II is directly responsible for the successful implementation of individual and family assessments, the development and implementation of supportive service plans, and individual supportive interventions with youth and families, all framed within a cultural and assets-based philosophy.

Essential Responsibilities

Youth Engagement & Program Support

• 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.

Intake, Enrollment & Initial Assessment

• Supports LT program sites with new participant intake, program enrollment, and initial assessment processes, ensuring a welcoming, culturally grounded entry experience for youth and their families.
• Maintains accurate intake records and documentation, ensuring timely and high-quality data entry in alignment with organizational standards.
• Determines appropriate service pathways and program fit for new participants

Casework & Individual Support

• Conducts comprehensive assessments to identify individual and family strengths, needs, and goals, and uses findings to inform service and treatment planning, as necessary and appropriate.
• Provides counseling and supportive casework to assist individuals, families, and groups in addressing a variety of complex concerns across multiple settings.
• Collaborates with clinical teams to inform, adapt, prepare, and implement treatment plans for youth and their families. Reports on progress, outcomes, and adjustments applied during implementation to ensure quality service and positive outcomes.
• 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. Appropriately documents information and reviews with site leadership as needed.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Develops and maintains strong, positive relationships with individuals, families, groups, communities, staff, and management.
• Provides outreach efforts to individuals, groups, and communities regarding Lili'uilokalani Trust programs and services. Stays abreast of pertinent information regarding diverse communities, kīpuka, and served demographics.

Other Duties

• Participates in program planning, budget development, and program and service evaluation.
• Contributes to the Trust's success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organizational results.
• Contributes to a safe environment for teammates and beneficiaries, including communicating to the Manager any concerns regarding facilities and vehicles.
• Provides transportation for organization-related business, such as driving staff, beneficiaries, and/or families to assigned destinations.
• 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…