Residential Youth Engagement Specialist - Summer Program

Summer Program Description:
The Lili’uokalani Summer Intensive Program offered by the Liliʻuokalani Center is a youth development program focused on inspiring and empowering Native Hawaiian youth. It provides a variety of pathways for youth ages 12-18 to explore their passions and develop skills and talents, while staying connected to their culture. The program's pathways include creative media, performing arts, wellness, sports, culinary, and entrepreneurship—all embedded with cultural experiences and identity growth and development.

Position Summary:
Youth Engagement Specialist Summer is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of summer program residents in the evening and during overnight hours while at Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) Dormitories. This individual will work on a team to lead night-time activities, monitor dormitory areas, respond to emergencies, and provide a supportive, nurturing presence for students attending the Summer Intensive Program at Liliʻuokalani Center.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a variety of night-time activities including game and movie nights, campus tours, excursions to see shows, and other events as planned.
• Supervise dormitory areas during overnight hours to maintain a quiet, safe, and respectful environment.
• Perform periodic rounds throughout the night to ensure resident safety and compliance with program rules.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, including medical issues, behavioral concerns, or building issues.
• Serve as a first point of contact for residents who may need assistance or support during the night.
• Maintain clear communication with day staff and residential life team through shift notes and handover reports.
• Enforce curfew and quiet hours policies, addressing any violations according to program guidelines.
• Assist in fire drills or emergency evacuation procedures when necessary.
• Support residents’ emotional well-being with sensitivity and discretion, especially in cases of homesickness or anxiety.
• Attend training sessions and staff meetings as required.
• Uphold the program's values of respect, inclusion, creativity, and safety.
• Travel to and from neighbor islands to accompany youth as needed on Sundays and Fridays during the program.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree.
• Minimum age: 21 years old.
• Prior experience working with youth in a residential, camp, or educational setting strongly preferred.
• Ability to stay alert and responsive during overnight hours.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maturity, good judgment, and a calm demeanor in high-stress situations.
• A background check is required.

Preferred Skills and Traits:

• Understanding the needs and dynamics of artistic or creative youth communities.
• Ability to balance rule enforcement with empathy and youth development.
• Strong conflict-resolution and crisis-management skills.
• Experience in mental health first aid or similar.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Room and board will be provided for the duration of camp from Sunday evening to Friday evening: June 21 – July 17, 2026
• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic and inspiring summer learning environment.

Liliʻuokalani Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to recruit, train, and retain innovative talent from a diverse candidate pool. All employment decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, marital/civil union status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, credit history, disability or veteran/military status or other applicable legally protected characteristics.