What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Counselor position at Hale Kipa?
Mission & About Us
Rooted in aloha and kuleana, Hale Kipa is dedicated to supporting and empowering Hawai'i's youth, young adults, and families who are navigating trauma, injustice, and systemic barriers. Through safe and nurturing housing, culturally grounded care, and trauma-informed relationships, we encourage them to discover their passions, embrace their resilience, and thrive as compassionate, responsible leaders in their families and communities.
Since 1970, Hale Kipa has championed Hawai'i's youth an children. We provide youth outreach, independent living facilities, and therapeutic foster care, a haven for runaways, and more. Our founders recognized a need for a nonprofit to step in to assist this deserving population and we are still doing that critical work today, on O'ahu, Kaua'i, and the Island of Hawai'i. Learn more about Hale Kipa's programs.
Role Overview
Hale Kipa is looking for Youth Counselors to work with youth between the ages of 12 and 17, who are placed in our Pu'uhonua Program (Emergency Shelter). Youth can be referred by various referral sources and the length of stay in the emergency shelter is anywhere from 1 day to 30 days, while youth await return home or another more permanent placement.
Youth Counselors need to be able to manage crisis situations appropriately and help youth work through issues they are experiencing. They need to provide a stable, safe, structured, and nurturing environment, that encourages youth to participate in a program structure that includes: chores, meals, bedtime, quiet time, study time, meetings, and participation in planned activities and outings. Youth Counselors also need to spend time discussing issues with youth to assist and support them in their emotional processing, encourage adaptive positive coping skill-building and solidify/set limits.
In addition to working with the youth, Youth Counselors are also responsible for understanding and handling intake processes and procedures accurately, as well as submitting required documentation in a timely manner. Having some computer knowledge and being able to navigate the electronic health record is essential to the role. Working as part of a team and possessing good communication skills, both verbal and written; and representing Hale Kipa in a professional manner when working with collaterals, parents/guardians, and youth are imperative to the Youth Counselor position.
Shift Availability:
- Swing Shift: 3:00pm - 11:00pm
- Overnight Shift: 10:30pm - 8:00am
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED required.
- Experience or training in working with youth who have been abused and/or neglected is highly preferred
Requirements:
- A valid driver's license
- Ability to drive the agency van during youth outings
Benefits
- Medical/Drug/Vision/Dental
- Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Time Off (PTO) / 6 Paid Holidays
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Access to voluntary insurance plans
An EEO Employer