Youth Development Specialist - Services

Department:
Family Intervention Services

Position Title:

Youth Development Specialist

Housing Services

Supervisor:
Program Coordinator

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Date:
Aug 2025

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) for Housing Services is a full‑time, 40‑hour week, non‑exempt position. The YDS provides transitional living opportunities and housing services to runaway, current or former foster youth, homeless youth, at‑risk youth, and youth in the juvenile justice system in the County of Hawaii. The position is part of Outreach and Prevention Services and is supervised by the Program Coordinator for Housing Services.

• BA degree in Human Services or related field with one year of job‑related experience, or A.S. degree with three years of job‑related experience, or a high school diploma with four years of related experience; or a combination of some college and related work experience.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license.
• Valid TB clearance and physical exam.
• FBI/Criminal History & CAN cleared.
• Motor vehicle records (MVR) cleared – meets Salvation Army standards as an authorized driver.

• Knowledge in providing educational services through multiple media formats via tele‑video technology.
• At least 3 years of experience specific to providing housing assistance to clients.

• Provide outreach services to runaway and homeless youth and young adults, including those at risk of homelessness, current or former foster youth, and youth in the juvenile justice system.
• Provide housing information assistance to clients.
• Conduct assessments, case management services, and develop youth’s individualized independent living plans and collateral contacts.
• Offer transitional services in education, life skills, career/employment, financial aid, and community awareness.
• Deliver crisis intervention services to youth and families.
• Assist at‑risk youth with connections to housing placement resources and alternatives.
• Provide individualized services for youth residing in foster family homes, specialized independent living homes, transitional supervised living arrangements, and/or living independently.
• Implement Housing Services and Transitional Services/case Management Standards of Care system.
• Actively participate in the coordination of the Transitional Services Collaboration Team.
• Orient, train, and supervise lower‑classified personnel and volunteers.
• Maintain required documentation and case records of youths and services provided.
• Provide monthly statistical data and prepare quarterly and other reports as required.
• Complete and evaluate the outcomes management system.
• Maintain professional worker/client and staff relationships at all times.
• Obtain agency certification to operate agency vehicles for youth transport.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as required or scheduled.
• Fulfill work duties during the assigned schedule and at the work location.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Willingness to accept and implement the Salvation Army philosophy.
• Sound judgment, dependability, understanding, firmness, caring, organized, high energy.
• Liaison ability with and knowledge of public service agencies and community agencies.

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

The position requires sitting; climbing and/or balancing; stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching, crouching and/or crawling; standing; walking; manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; use of vision; driving a vehicle; pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying 25‑50 pounds and occasionally more; traveling by airplane. It also involves…