Youth Development Specialist - Housing Services

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory seeks a Youth Development Specialist for Housing Services on Hawaii Island. This full‑time role provides transitional living and housing services to runaway, foster, homeless, and at‑risk youth, under the supervision of the Program Coordinator for Housing Services.

Requirements include a BA/AS with related experience or equivalent, valid Hawaii driver’s license, TB clearance, and FBI/Background checks.

Qualifications

• BA/AS or higher with relevant experience, or equivalent combination.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license required.
• TB clearance and physical exam required.
• FBI/Criminal History & CAN clearance.
• MVR clearance as per Salvation Army standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach to runaway and homeless youth and young adults.
• Offer housing information and assessments.
• Develop individualized independent living plans and collateral contacts.
• Deliver crisis intervention and connect youth to housing resources.
• Maintain case records and monthly statistical data.
• Attend trainings and coordinate with the Transitional Services Collaboration Team.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Education

BA degree in Human Services or related field with experience OR A.S. with experience OR high school diploma with related experience

Bachelors of Human Services (preferred)

Job description

Department: Family Intervention Services

Position Title: Youth Development Specialist

Housing Services

Supervisor: Program Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date: Aug 2025

JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

• 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.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• 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.

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; traveling by airplane. It also involves implementing safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation situations.

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS

Requires speaking with co‑workers, clients, and vendors; written communication with and to co‑workers, clients, and vendors; telephone communication; responding to written or verbal requests; providing training and instructions; receiving and writing instructions; reading and visiting other work sites; communicating via the latest technologies. It additionally involves implementing 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.

EDUCATION

Bachelors of Human Services (preferred)

EXPERIENCE

Refer to Job description for details (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.