Youth Engagement Specialist I - LT Ranch

Job Purpose The Youth Engagement Specialist I (YES I) is a frontline youth development practitioner who supports safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for youth across Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) programs and sites. The YES I focuses on building strong, trusting relationships, supporting youth participation and general engagement, assisting with program facilitation, and maintaining operational reliability within established program structures. The YES I works directly with youth involved in programming, offering guidance and support, and may also be asked to provide administrative assistance as needed. YES workers are an integral part of the holistic wraparound supports provided throughout Liliʻuokalani Trust programs for youth and their families.

• This role may include supporting programming within LT Ranch pathways (ʻāina, animals, and art), including creative arts activities such as ceramics.
• Staff may assist with studio setup and cleanup, materials preparation (e.g., clay and tools), and reinforcing safe use of materials and spaces.
• Responsibilities focus on supporting engagement, maintaining a calm and organized environment, and following the direction of pathway leads.
• About Liliʻuokalani Trust Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) is a private operating foundation committed to the social, physical, and spiritual well-being of Native Hawaiian youth and their ʻohana.
• LT delivers culturally grounded, healing-centered programs across the pae ʻaina through a range of service settings meet youth and families where they are.
• Trust programs reflect an assets-based philosophy that honors Hawaiian values, elevates youth strengths, and builds pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity for all youth we serve.
• Essential Responsibilities Youth Engagement & Community Building Build and maintain respectful, positive relationships with youth, families, and community members Encourage youth participation in LT programs and services and foster a strong sense of belonging among program participants Model appropriate behavior, healthy relationships, and effective communication Support youth by responding to behavioral escalations appropriately and respectfully, and by providing appropriate follow-up as determined by program teams Support the inclusion of youth voice in program development and decisions, as appropriate Assist with welcoming participants and families to program spaces As needed and appropriate, engage in outreach activities to recruit new program participants and raise awareness of LT programs and services Program Facilitation Assist with the facilitation of youth-facing programs, activities, and groups Execute pre-established program plans, making contextual adjustments as appropriate to adapt to environment and participant need Prepare materials and reset program spaces before and after activities Support program transitions and participation logistics, including signing participants in and out and assisting with movement throughout spaces Contribute to maintaining safe and supportive program environments and follow expectations for upholding safety protocols and supervision ratios As needed and appropriate, assist with participant transportation Enrollment & Administrative Support Assist with participant intake, program enrollment, and the welcoming of new kamaliʻi and ʻohana Complete data entry of registration and consent forms, including DocuSign Complete basic documentation of activities and participant behaviors As needed, provide operations support with program logistics, front desk and phone coverage, NetSuite, mileage logs, and vendor appointments Team & Community Contribution Contribute to a healthy team and program community; communicate observations and concerns to supervisors Participate in team meetings, Communities of Practice, and trainings Contribute to the Trust's success by accepting new assignments, supporting team members, and striving to improve organizational impact Participate in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development Holiday, evening, and weekend hours required as needed Ability to travel as needed for Trust business Practice Expectations Works well within structure and demonstrates sound judgment Able to execute a pre-established program plan, making adjustments as appropriate to adapt to context and environment Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team, exhibiting respectful interactions with colleagues Seeks assistance for high-risk situations; knows when to escalate a decision or response Actively committed to ongoing development of facilitation and behavior management skills Maintains professional conduct and reliability