The Institute for Human Services (IHS) is Hawaii's most comprehensive human services agency dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness. For over 45 years, we've been at the forefront of creating tailored solutions for those in crisis, offering a continuum of care that includes emergency shelters, housing programs, health services, employment assistance, and outreach.

The Children’s Program Specialist assists with the organization and coordination of child and parent education programs and activities to support the outcomes of the Children and Family programs. This position advocates for provision of services for children to maintain stable academic performance in school and screens for conditions that require early intervention and promote the emotional development and wellbeing of IHS’s homeless or at risk children served by designated IHS programs.

Compensation:

Starting from $18.00 hourly, actual pay commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

1. Demonstrate excellent customer service consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization.
2. Ensure successful program outcomes by providing assistance with the development, maintenance and evaluation of an enriching and culturally sensitive curriculum of activities, and lesson plans designed to stimulate the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and interest of children and all family participants.
3. Interact with children using approved child guidance techniques and development tools that will support the goals of the program and model effective social and parenting behaviors that encourage parents and children to develop healthy family relationships.
4. Coordinate with outside agencies/programs and/or provide support of activities and programs for parents/care-givers including but not limited to parenting skills, budgeting skills, and access to community resources; Assist with and hold weekly groups for parents and/or children.
5. Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants through continuous observation of children; Consult and communicate with Family Case Management Program to ensure the safety, health and program outcomes for parents and children are met.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of approved child guidance techniques and development tools that support physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
2. Effective prioritization and problem solving skills with the ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations.
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, and database applications.
4. Possess personal qualities of integrity and commitment to mission.
5. Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

Required Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
2. At least one year of experience working with children of various ages in a multi-cultural and low socio-economic setting.
3. Basic understanding of the issues affecting homelessness and its impact on families.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part-Time hours, Monday through Friday, starting at 1:00 PM. May include some morning hours during school breaks. Hours and days may vary based on the needs of the organization.

IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace, and is proud to be an employer of national service.