Youth Development Specialist - PAL

Job Summary

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) for the Positive Alternative Learning (PAL) program is a non‑exempt full‑time regular 40‑hour position that is part of the Hilo Outreach/Prevention programs. Services are targeted to at‑risk youth and their families in the community. The YDS is supervised by the Program Coordinator of the Hilo Prevention services.

• BA degree in human services or related field with one year job‑related experience, or AS degree in Human Services or related field with three years job‑related experience, or a combination of education and experience to meet requirements.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license.
• Valid TB clearance and pre‑employment medical clearance.
• Valid first aid and CPR certification.
• Completed DHS FBI/Criminal history & CAN, and Salvation Army background clearances.
• Driver’s record meeting authorized driving standards of the Salvation Army.

• Provide community‑based outreach services to at‑risk youth in schools, homes and community settings; connect youth and families to resources and services.
• Provide crisis intervention services as indicated.
• Use a risk‑focused prevention approach for intake/assessment, develop service plans, and provide prevention/intervention services.
• Provide case management services and assist youth and families in utilizing community resources.
• Monitor youth’s progress in school, home and community.
• Develop, organize, schedule and supervise group program recreational and craft activities for youths during after school, evenings and weekends, including indoor and outdoor activities.
• Develop and implement skill‑building programs to prevent substance use, teen pregnancy and provide life‑skills training.
• Ensure program rules and procedures are followed by staff and volunteers.
• Maintain logs of participation and complete required reports to track performance targets and contract requirements.
• Obtain certification to operate a 12‑15 passenger van for transportation of youths.
• Maintain professional relationships with workers, clients and staff.
• Participate in agency sponsored programs such as Project Family.
• Maintain documentation on assessments and service activities.
• Attend staff meetings, training, conferences and workshops as scheduled.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Willingness to accept and implement the Salvation Army philosophy.
• Sound judgment, dependability, empathy, firmness, caring, organization and high energy.
• Knowledge of public service agencies and community agencies for liaison.

• Work under stressful conditions.
• Interact with others with courtesy and tact.
• Interact with a wide range of people and situations.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team; participate in staff training and growth groups.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Respond to crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; may require flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Requires sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching, crouching, standing, walking, manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination, use of vision, driving a vehicle, pushing/pulling/lifting or carrying 25‑50 pounds and sometimes more than 50 pounds, traveling by airplane. Implements safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation.

Requires talking to co‑workers, clients, vendors, telephone communication, written communication, training/giving verbal and written instructions, receiving instructions, writing, reading, visiting other work sites, communicating via technology.

Prioritize multiple work tasks to meet tight deadlines.

Use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, scanners, calculators, etc.

Most work will be indoors at Family Intervention Services. Attendance at trainings, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, may be required.

Education:

Bachelors of Human Services (preferred).

Experience:

Refer to Job description for details (preferred).

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