Teen Engagement Specialist

PAY RANGE:

$19.00 - $23.00 Hourly

 

PROGRAM PREPARATION:
School Year 2026-2027 After School Program
Program preparations are scheduled for mid July 2026, with applicant onboarding to begin late July.

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS:

• McKinley High School***
• Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA**
• Mililani YMCA**
• Stevenson Middle School***
• Pauoa Elementary School***

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Engagement Specialist is responsible for ensuring the design, development, and implementation of student centered clubs/programs at the assigned site, while working with youth in our public schools. The Engagement Specialist will work with the program participants and YMCA leadership, to provide after-school activities infusing youth-voice and inclusion through activities such sports, leadership, e-sports, gardening, STEM, etc. Teen interests must drive activity and club choice. The Engagement Specialist may collaborate with and recruit community members/organizations to support student interest areas.

Engagement Specialists must provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment consistent with the program model and goals and ensure the success of students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB DUTIES:

• Provide academic support to students in assigned subject areas, using strategies aligned with the school's in-class instruction methods, while integrating creativity and fun to keep students motivated and engaged in this voluntary program.
• Create and implement innovative methods to engage students in academic enrichment to promote positive learning habits and target academic learning loss.
• Create a positive work/learning environment for staff and program participants that encourages hard work, effective communication, and a sense of comradery.
• Develop and implement fun and engaging lesson plans and educational activities that promote academic success and align with the program model and goals.
• Support ongoing program improvement efforts to ensure a positive and enriching experience for all participants, promoting personal growth, community engagement, and creating a welcoming, fun environment that encourages teens to return.
• Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with participants, parents, co-workers, and others associated with the program such as HIDOE and DHS contacts.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, providing excellent communication and customer service.
• Assist in the supervision and guidance of junior staff members, providing mentorship and support as needed.
• Research and develop new creative programs, workshops, activities, and engagement methods to enhance the overall program that focuses on Teen Development.
• Contribute to the development of our program by suggesting new ideas, participating in staff meetings, and providing feedback on program improvements.
• Assist with the coordination of events and activities that promote student engagement and motivation.
• Facilitates programming that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes teens in an all-inclusive environment.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, core values, purpose and goals, policies, and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills/Knowledge:

• 6 months or more experience facilitating instruction with an emphasis on youth requiring academic intervention.
• Skilled in general youth programs group or classroom management.
• Ability to take initiative in implementing engaging academic activities and promote healthy studying habits.
• Must be able to acquire the knowledge necessary for the age-appropriate curriculum specific to assigned subject in accordance to HIDOE standards.
• Customer service oriented with strong interpersonal skills, well organized and multi-tasked oriented.
• Understanding of working with teens, group management, and group work.
• Experience engaging middle and high school youth in recreation, leadership development, service learning, civic engagement, college and career pathways, and other personal development areas.
• Exercise mature judgment and sound decision-making.
• Possess a collaborative and flexible mindset that elevates youth voice and provide opportunities in areas where the candidate may not have expertise.
• Lead by example, serve as a model of professionalism and competency for peers and employees.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Windows 10 and above, Canva, preferred .

Education/Training:

• Experience teaching and facilitating academic instruction required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred.
• Current certification in language arts or mathematics education is preferred.
• General office operations experience preferred.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certified (training available upon hire).

 

WHY THE Y?:

• Free Y membership with employment 
• Referral bonuses - Y employees can earn cash or Y credit bonuses for referring a new hire*
• Up to 60% discounts for yourself, family, and even your siblings on Y programs, camps, preschool, childcare, and more.

 

Child Protection Commitment

The YMCA requires all staff to share responsibility for preventing child abuse by upholding professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns. All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.

*See job opportunities page for full details
**This position and its pay are dependent on the availability of funds and continuation of the contracted program. The current contract provides programming for August 2025 - July 2026 with the likely possibility of extension for an additional year (until July 2027).
***All 21CCLC positions are dependent on the availability of funds and continuation of the 21CCLC contract. The current contract provides programming for the following three school years (2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028) with the possibility of extension for an additional two years (2028-2029 and 2029-2030).