Children's Program Specialist

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. Collaborate and work with Children’s Program Coordinator to ensure the program remains contract compliant.
3. Provide 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Consult and communicate with Family Case Management Program to ensure the safety, health and program outcomes for parents and children are met.
7. Keep parents and Family Case Managers informed about the children’s development through formal and/or informal discussions as well as through written reports and/or communication.
8. Design announcements and bulletins for parents to ensure high participation from families in activities and programs.
9. Maintain confidentiality and consistently maintain accurate attendance, safety and program records through SAMI or other systems as required and provide data to support outcome measures.
10. Coordinate the daily USDA snacks program and ensure compliance with USDA standards.
11. Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants through continuous observation of children in order to detect early signs of distress, abnormal behavior, illness and /or child abuse and neglect and notify Family Program Coordinator as appropriate.

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.
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.
6. Able to work under pressure and in stressful situations.

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.