Youth Development Specialist - West Hawaii IHI

Overview

Job Category: Social Services

Requisition Number: YOUTH
022291

Location: Kona/West Hawaii; based out of West Hawaii with services to youth across Hawaii Island, primarily via tele-video and other media formats.

Department: Family Intervention Services

Position Title: Youth Development Specialist

Program:
Imua Kakou Higher Education Independent Living Skills Program (IK ILSP)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date: Aug 2025

General Statement: The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church, and the ultimate goal of all programs is a spiritual regeneration of all people.

Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position that provides IK ILSP and Higher Education (HD) services for youth transitioning through the foster care system. The position is based in West Hawaii and serves youths throughout the Hawaii Island, primarily through tele-video and other media formats. The YDS reports to the Program Coordinator and performs the essential functions described in this job description.

“To provide youth with skills for a healthy life, and instill purpose, hope and vision to youth and their families.”

• ESSENTIAL
  
  QUALIFICATIONS:
  
  
• BA degree in a human services or related field with two years of job-related experience, or AS degree in Human Services or related field with four years of job-related experience, or a combination of education and experience to meet position requirements.
• Valid TB clearance and Pre-Employment Medical Clearance
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification
• DHS FBI/Criminal History & CAN, and Salvation Army background clearances
• MVR records check; must meet Authorized Driving standards of the Salvation Army
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Provide transitional services for youths and young adults in education, life skills, and career/employment.
• Provide individualized services for youths and young adults in various living arrangements or living independently.
• Provide outreach, assessments, and development of individualized independent living plans; maintain collateral contacts.
• Prepare progress reports and represent the Agency in court hearings to comply with contractual requirements.
• Implement Transitional Services/case Management Standards of Care.
• Collaborate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the ILSP and higher education services.
• Coordinate the Transitional Services Collaboration Team.
• Orientate, train and supervise lower classified personnel and volunteers.
• Maintain required documentation and case records; provide monthly statistics and quarterly or other required reports.
• Complete and evaluate the outcomes management system; maintain professional relationships with clients and staff.
• Obtain agency certification to operate agency vehicles to transport youth to activities.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in improving operational procedures; respond to day-to-day inquiries related to assigned contracts.
• Represent the program to the community and maintain productive relationships with client-related agencies, community resources, schools, and similar entities.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as required; fulfill duties during assigned work schedule and location.

• OTHER FUNCTIONS:
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES:
• Willing to accept and implement The Salvation Army philosophy.
• Sound judgment, dependability, understanding, firmness, caring, organization, and high energy.
• Liaison with and knowledge of public service and community agencies.

• MENTAL DEMANDS: Work under stressful conditions; interact with others with courtesy and tact; relate to a wide range of people; participate in an interdisciplinary team; manage multiple projects; respond to crises; maintain confidentiality; flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitt…