HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialist I (Maui)

POSITION SUMMARY

HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialists contribute to the initiative at various levels, including contributions to:

• HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Board Support
• HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program Support
• Foster Care Grievance Process (Pono Process)
• Program Coordination and Communication

Under the guidance of the Statewide Initiative Manager, the HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialist I contributes to these initiative elements by supporting the implementation and execution of administrative elements within their designated geographical area.

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialist I must demonstrate an active commitment to the mission and vision of EPIC ‘Ohana, striving to embody its core values[1] in every aspect of their work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Program Coordination and Communication

• Execute delivery of program activities within the designated Initiative area;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure smooth implementation of trainings, meetings, and events;
• Support recruitment, engagement, and maintain communication with youth/young adult participants, partners, and community stakeholders relevant in their designated area;
• Collect, track, and maintain accurate program data and participant records as required;
• Support youth-adult partnerships by fostering respectful, culturally grounded, and strength-based interactions with youth and families;
• Collaborate with HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative staff and partner agencies to strengthen communication and coordination across the Initiative; and
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, documentation and materials that highlight program outcomes and youth/young adult impact.
• HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board Support
  • o Board Coordination and Administration
    • Support the coordination of the work of the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board in designated locations (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui County, East Hawaiʻi or West Hawaiʻi);
    • Provide logistical and administrative support for board meetings, trainings and advocacy activities;
    • Assist with coordination of quarterly Community Partnerships (CP) Hui meetings and prepare board members for participation.
  • o Youth Engagement and Development
    • Support the execution of programs that support youth engagement, youth-adult partnerships and positive youth development;
    • Assist HI H.O.P.E.S. program with engaging youth leaders in preparing testimony, presentations, and community engagement efforts;
    • Support the engagement and training of board members so they can fully participate in all Initiative strategies;
    • Promote respectful, strength-based interactions that foster youth-adult partnerships;
  • o Program and Event Participation
    • Support board members in community activities, advocacy efforts and events (e.g., Imua Kākou hearings, Transition Ceremonies, Teen Days, etc.).
  • o Support communication between the youth leadership board and partner agencies, as needed
  • o Promote youth-adult partnerships by fostering respectful and strength-based interactions.
• HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program Support:
  • o Support recruitment of participants for financial literacy trainings;
  • o Support coordination of financial literacy trainings;
  • o Support youth / young adults in making asset purchase requests, only as directed by HI H.O.P.E.S. Program Manager
  • Support semi-annual Opportunity Passport ™ surveys with participants.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS

• Perform other related duties, as required and assigned. 
• Responsible for awareness and adherence to all company and safety policies and procedures. 
• Attend and participate in trainings, all staff meetings, and individual supervision, as scheduled. 
• Recommend improvements and/or enhancements of job processes and work environment to ensure high quality levels of service deliverables. 
• Address appropriate needs with supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work Hours: Normal hours for the EPIC office are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Employees may start as early as 7:00 a.m. or as late as 9:00 a.m.  The end time for an employee’s work shift will be based on the employee’s designated start time.
• Must be flexible with work schedule, pending the need to deliver services. Hours may include weekend and evening hours.
• This job operates in a professional hybrid work environment.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Must be proficient with computer use, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and database usage. 
• Maintain a moderate working knowledge of computers for data entry.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND COMMUNICATION DEMANDS

Mental Demands

• Must be self-directed, organized, and able to work independently.
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must work well under the pressure of meeting multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have strong writing skills and be able to write clearly and accurately.
• Must have the willingness to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to support diversity in the workplace and serve a diverse population.
• Must be able to comprehend complex information such as social work reports and court documents.
• Must be approachable, non-judgmental, organized, and have a strength-based view of youth and families.
• Must be emotionally mature, objective, and supportive of people and their problems.
• Must have the ability to nurture and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders, including the ability to engage youth and/or family members from diverse communities.
• Must have the ability to work cooperatively with representatives of other agencies.
• Must have an attitude of continual learning.
• Must be able to synthesize and summarize complex information in ways that are understandable to youth and/or family members and professionals.

Communication Demands

• Must have the ability to speak and write clearly.
• Must have a direct yet sensitive communication style.
• Must have strong communication skills and a strong ability to support and engage positively with community providers, professionals, social workers, service providers, and families.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 Year of Relevant Experience.
• Must be proficient with computer use, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and database usage. 
• Must maintain an ethical, responsible and professional attitude and demeanor under all circumstances in-person, by phone, e-mail and correspondence, in order to effectively and efficiently engage and maintain working relationships with families, professionals and other participants who are undergoing complex and crisis situations. 
• Team player with a positive attitude and the ability to interact with all levels of the organization. 
• Committed to quality and performance improvement. 
• Successful criminal and child abuse and neglect background clearance as required by state regulations for those who work with children and families in the Child Welfare System. 
• Valid driver’s license, no-fault automobile insurance, acceptable motor vehicle abstract, and access to an insured, reliable vehicle is needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION REQURIEMENTS

• Familiarity with the Foster Care System (DHS-CWS), strongly preferred.
• Individual with experience working with families whose children have been harmed or threatened with harm preferred.
• Individual with culturally relevant training and/or experience specific to the community served, preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs, including Outlook, Word, Teams, preferred
• Experience with Zoom, preferred
• Experienced with Canva, preferred