Direct Services Specialist

Job Purpose The Direct Services Specialist – LT Ranch (DSS) is primarily responsible for providing professional counseling to kamaliʻi (youth) ages 13-18 using activities that promote healing, hope and growth.  This role works with the program team to develop, implement and evaluate impact of programming for vulnerable youth. The DSS assists participants in self-regulation of emotions and behaviors, self-reflection, adapting to change, communication through expressive arts and improved health outcomes through nature-based experiential activities and culturally resonant social emotional supports. The direct services provided are framed within a Native Hawaiian cultural and assets-based philosophy.   As a part of LT’s continuum of services, LT Ranch offers residential camps for up to eight vulnerable teen-aged youth who would benefit from an intensive program focused on healing, purpose, and growth. The Ranch is also available for kīpuka programs and strategic partners to work with vulnerable kamaliʻi and families in a peaceful environment focused on healing through nature-based and creative experiential activities. The DSS is responsible for the successful implementation of plans and monitoring progress for both individual kamaliʻi and overall program goals.   Essential Responsibilities Engages youth in experiential activities utilizing supportive therapeutic methods on their journey toward healing and growth. Provides in-depth counseling/therapeutic services to the kamaliʻi (youth) and their ʻohana (family) as they participate in the micro, mezzo and macro levels of intervention (i.e. group work and youth development pathway activities) Assists the Director on program planning and implementation (recruitment, scheduling, activities planning, daily preparations, administrative tasks, case follow up, etc) and provides support for the kipuka extension and strategic partnership programs. Collaborates with teammates and participates in professional development in the area of utilization of culturally resonant experiential programming, including animal-assisted interactions, ‘aina-based activities, creative arts or makery projects, and daily life-skills activities, to promote social emotional learning and growth mindset. Comfortably interacts with animals in a safe and kind manner while providing youth similar opportunities for engagement and reflection. Comfortably engages in ʻaina work and willingly models for youth how to care for and sustain the land in a pono manner. Facilitates creative art projects and other enrichment activities, working closely with cultural practitioners, art consultants, and community partners to promote reflection, self-awareness, and connection. Supports daily life-skills development, including personal self-management, meal preparation, nutrition, physical activity. Supports and responds to youth behavioral, emotional, and psychological health needs. Utilizes analysis and strategizing methods, practices, and other dynamics that address identified needs and build upon their existing resources and strengths.  Focuses service on addressing trauma, atunement to trauma triggers and ability to regulate them for sustainability and self-sufficiency. Encourages and develops them to assume increasing responsibility. Observes and documents youth participation, designs behavior intervention and/or management plans, and monitors and reports on progress. Models positive group management practices and actions to ensure program participant safety by developing healthy relationships and appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with children and youth. Develops and maintains strong positive relationships with individuals, families, groups, communities, staff and management. Provides outreach services to individuals, groups, and communities regarding Liliʻuokalani Trust and affiliates’ programs and services.      Additional responsibilities specific to each shift: The DSS – LT Ranch may be assigned to support daytime, evening, weekend, and/or night shifts for residential program implementation. In addition to the essential responsibilities listed above, each shift carries the additional tasks listed below: Weekday: Assists Director with recruitment, scheduling, program plans, implementation, case follow-up. Evening: Engages kamaliʻi in evening activities (reflection, meal preparation, fireside, bedtime routines). Night shift:  Engages Ranch camp kamaliʻi in evening activities. Ensures safety of kamaliʻi overnight. Ensures space, meals and programs are prepared for next day of activities.   Other duties: Participates in program planning, budget development, revision, and evaluation. Provides transportation for organization related business, such as driving staff, beneficiaries and/or families to assigned destinations. Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development. Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improves team and organization results. Performs other duties as assigned.   Qualifications Master’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or related mental health degree; Two years experience post Masterʻs degree desired. Valid driver license, clean traffic abstract, and access to a privately owned automobile with valid no-fault insurance. TB clearance. First Aid and CPR/AED Certification, preferred.   Job Competencies Collaboration: Ability to interact effectively with youth, community partners, and multi-disciplinary teams.  Knowledge of community resources and services. Ethical Practice:  Models the highest level of ethics, integrity, LT values and social responsibility. Communication: Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas to individuals or groups that engages the listener and invites response and feedback.  Demonstrates good written, oral, and listening skills. Cultural Competence: Respects and relates well to people from varied backgrounds and is sensitive to group differences.  Experience working with at-risk youth. Relationship Management: Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative, environment; commitment and ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values and relationships. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well under-pressure, remain calm and controlled when face with difficult situation. Strives for immediate address.       Travel Requirements In alignment with our organizational competencies of Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork) and Ho`omau i ka `imi Na`auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement), this position will require occasional travel across the island, inter-island, and out-of-state depending on the needs of the team and the organization. While travel may not always be a need, the ability to travel when required remains a crucial aspect of this position in order to successfully contribute to our concerted efforts to carry out our Queen’s legacy.   This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.   Organization Competencies Alignment with Queen’s legacy:  Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliuokalani’s story, her legacy and the Hawaiian Culture is foundational to staff’s commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families and communities. Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values history, and culture, understanding its implication in one’s work, in fostering meaningful relationships, and in embracing the community served. Ho`omau i ka `imi Na`auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement.  Ho`ike i na Mana`o Pono (Effective Communication):  Communicates with those we serve and each other in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.   No'ono'o loi (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates information and develops and supports fact-based analyses and recommendations. Ho'o kumu a'e  or `Imi hakuhia (Innovation):  Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving. Pilina Ho`ohana a me ka Hana Hilina`i (Building Relationships and Creating Trust):  Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and move the organization forward. Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork): Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization's objectives. Ho`onui I ka `Ike (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and a belief in the capacity of others.   Job Title: Direct Services Specialist – LT Ranch Report to: Program Director, LT Ranch FLSA Status: Exempt Aligned Executive: VP and Chief Program Officer Region: LT Ranch Department: Social Services   Physical Requirements Performs light physical work, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.  Exposed to outdoor climate and diverse terrain.   Terms and Conditions of Employment As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to LT’s policies and procedures.