Foster Youth to Independence Instructor

Overview

Department History Overview: Harris County Resources for Children and Adults was founded in 1966 as the Harris County Child Welfare Board to provide support services for the children taken under the wing of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Fifty years later, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults still provides this support. But the now-county department has expanded services for early prevention, intervention, and adult services.

Vision: To better the lives of children and adults in Harris County.

Brief Description Overview: Under the supervision of the Pre-Transitional Service Supervisor of Houston Alumni and Youth (HAY) Center, this position provides Casey Life Skills Assessments and Independent Living Skills Training to current foster care youth; between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, in a 13-county area.

• Enhances a state mandated curriculum and teaches life skills classes in each of six core curriculum areas:
  Life Decisions/ Responsibilities, Personal/Social Relationships, Financial Management, Housing & Transportation, Job Readiness, and Health & Safety.

• Administers and scores Casey Life Skills Assessment including face-to-face feedback discussion sessions.

• Completes monthly reports as required by our contractors and submits to direct supervisor within a required time frame.

• Enters all required documentation in agency database within a required time frame.

• Maintains record of all youth documents as it relates to Casey Life Skills Assessments and Life Skills Training.

• Assist with in-care services (Casey Life Skills assessment and case management) during periods of time when no Life Skills Training is scheduled.

• Completes Independent Study Guides in lieu of classroom setting Life Skills Training as needed.

• Participates in HAY (Houston Alumni & Youth) Center events and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) statewide and regional activities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Behavioral or other Social Science.

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years of full-time paid work experience with adolescents in an educational, institutional, counseling, or social service setting.

• Must have one (1) year of experience in group facilitation and training in a classroom setting.

• Must be willing to work Saturdays.

• Must have experience with effectively managing and responding to disruptive or escalated behaviors using appropriate intervention strategies.

Licensure:

• Training and experience using a personal computer with a variety of software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Case Management Software.

• Reliable transportation with a valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

• Ability to become CPR certified.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of adolescent/transition age youth stages of development.

• Knowledge of behavioral assessment administration/interpretation tools.

• Knowledge of the transitional needs including life skills and linkages for youth aging out of the foster care system.

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be responsible and self-disciplined and work independently.

• Self-motivated and possess excellent time management skills.

• Must possess great organizational skills.

• Have good public relations.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and business associates.

• Must be able to effectively manage and respond to disruptive or escalated behaviors using appropriate intervention strategies.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-time | Grant Funded

• During the School Year:
  Tuesday -- Saturday | 8am - 5pm or 9am - 6pm (Sunday and Monday off)

• During the Summer:
  Monday -- Friday | 8am - 5pm or 9am - 6pm (Saturdays as needed)

Salary Range:

• $50,003.20--$53,040.00 (Annually)

• Plus, Mileage Reimbursement

• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Work Location:

• 3131 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77003

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Note on Closing: Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.