Senior Youth Engagement & SEL Specialist

Colonial Group; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Liliʻuokalani Trust’s Kīpuka Hilo site seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist II to design and facilitate social-emotional learning and positive youth development programming, actively cultivating warm, welcoming environments for Native Hawaiian youth and families. The role requires independent program design, mentorship, and adaptive facilitation.

You will lead structured experiences, build strong relationships with youth and community partners, and contribute to wraparound supports that promote

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Education, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 2-3 years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, community-based programming, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience independently facilitating youth programming, groups, or structured learning experiences
• Knowledge of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks and Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles
• Experience with case management, documentation, and data systems preferred
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with Native Hawaiian youth and communities

Responsibilities

• Independently facilitate youth activities, groups, and structured learning experiences
• Create a safe and supportive environment that fosters belonging and positive identity formation for all program participants
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with youth, families, and community members
• De-escalate conflict, manage group behavior, and adapt activities based on engagement levels and participant needs
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to youth in addressing presenting issues; motivate youth in their decision-making processes
• Model positive group management practices and maintain healthy relationships and appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with youth
• Develop and maintain strong outreach connections with individuals, families, groups, and communities to support program engagement and retention
• Communicate trends, concerns, and observations to supervisors; document incidents accurately and timely

Skills

Youth development

Facilitation

Relationship-building

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Education, or related field

Job description

Liliʻuokalani Trust’s Kīpuka Hilo site seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist II to design and facilitate social-emotional learning and positive youth development programming, actively cultivating warm, welcoming environments for Native Hawaiian youth and families. The role requires independent program design, mentorship, and adaptive facilitation.

You will lead structured experiences, build strong relationships with youth and community partners, and contribute to wraparound supports that promote