POSITION TITLE: Youth Development Specialist
DEPARTMET: Family Intervention Services – Hilo Outreach/Prevention
RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
DATE: June 2024
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.
Unit Mission Statement:
"To provide youth with skills for a healthy life, and instill purpose, hope and vision to youth and their families."
JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) is a non-exempt full-time regular position under the Hilo Outreach/Prevention programs. Services provided under the Hilo Outreach/Prevention programs are funded through various government and/or other funding sources to provide those services to youth and families in the community. The YDS will carry out those services through the essential functions described in this job description. The YDS is supervised by the Program Manager of the Hilo Outreach/Prevention services.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: BA degree in human service or related field and one-year job-related experience, or A.S. degree in Human Services or related field with three years job related experience, or one year experience as Program Assistant with FIS programming, or combination of education and experience to meet position requirements. Valid Hawaii driver’s license. 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 community-based outreach services to at-risk youth in schools, family settings, and community, connect youth and families to resources and services, and work with the respective communities assigned to assess their needs and resources. These services will be provided in such program areas as positive youth development, truancy prevention and family strengthening, substance abuse prevention, and other similar prevention services. Provide crisis intervention services to youth and families. Perform intake/assessment, develop service plans, and provide appropriate services to youth and families. Implements group activities for youth clients with the emphasis of life skills training such as problem solving, career/employment development, decision-making, communication skills, and similar positive youth development activities. Provide case management services as indicated and assist youth and families to utilize community resources. Utilizing a risk-focused prevention approach and provide appropriate prevention/intervention services utilizing a Youth Development Strategy. Monitor youth’s progress in school, community, work and home. Serve as role model and mentor to youth and family. Provide individual and family counseling as indicated, with emphasis on family preservation. Maintain case records for each client, documenting reason for referral, assessment, service plan and services provided. Prepare and submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports on activities/counseling or services. Attend all staff meetings, training. Conferences, workshops as requested or scheduled. Maintain professional worker/client/staff relationships. Be available to during after hours and weekends to respond to crisis situations as needed Provide transportation for clients as required.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES: Willing to accept and implement The Salvation Army philosophy. Sound judgment, dependability, understanding, firm, caring, organized, high energy Liaison with and knowledge of public service agencies and other community agencies.
MENTAL DEMANDS:
Work under stressful conditions Interact with others with courtesy and tact Relate to 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 in an organized and efficient manner Respond to crisis situations in a calm and effective manner Complete projects on schedule Maintain confidentiality Maintain regular and punctual work attendance; may require flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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 than 50 pounds; traveling by airplane. Implement safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation situations.
COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:
The position requires talking to co-workers, clients, vendors; requires written communication to and from co-workers, clients, vendor; talking on the telephones; requires responding to written or verbal requests of co-workers, clients, and vendors; requires training/giving verbal and written instructions; requires receiving verbal and written instructions; requires writing/composing written language; requires reading; requires visiting/working at other worksites; requires communication via the latest technologies. Implement safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation situations.
SKILLS/TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:
Prioritize multiple work tasks to meet tight deadlines
EQUIPMENT NEEDS:
Use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, scanners, calculators, etc.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Most work will be indoors at Family Intervention Services. Attendance at trainings, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, may be required.