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

Pay: 

• $19 to $22 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Position is non-exempt (overtime eligible)

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account

EPIC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Due to our state contracts, EPIC employees who work with children and families in the Child Welfare System must have a successful criminal and child abuse and neglect background clearance.