Foster Youth to Independence Instructor

Department History

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, the department still provides this support and has expanded services for early prevention, intervention, and adult services.

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

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

• Enhances a state‑mandated curriculum and teaches life skills classes in six core curriculum areas:
  Life Decisions/Responsibilities, Personal/Social Relationships, Financial Management, Housing & Transportation, Job Readiness, and Health & Safety.
• Administers and scores the Casey Life Skills Assessment, including face‑to‑face feedback discussion sessions.
• Completes monthly reports as required by contractors and submits them to the direct supervisor within the required time frame.
• Enters all required documentation in the agency database within the required time frame.
• Maintains records of all youth documents related to Casey Life Skills Assessments and Life Skills Training.
• Assists with in‑care services (Casey Life Skills assessment and case management) during periods when Life Skills Training is not scheduled.
• Completes Independent Study Guides in lieu of classroom‑based Life Skills Training as needed.
• Participates in HAY Center events and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) statewide and regional activities.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Employment Opportunity Plan .aspx.

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274‑5445 or email

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

• Minimum two (2) years of full‑time paid work experience with adolescents in an educational, institutional, counseling, or social service setting.
• At least one (1) year of experience in group facilitation and training in a classroom setting.
• Willingness to work Saturdays.
• Experience effectively managing and responding to disruptive or escalated behaviors using appropriate intervention strategies.

• Training and experience using a personal computer and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and case management software.
• Reliable transportation with a valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance.
• Ability to become CPR certified.

• Knowledge and understanding of adolescent/transition‑age youth development stages.
• 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Responsible, self‑disciplined, and able to work independently.
• Self‑motivated with excellent time‑management skills.
• Great organizational skills.
• Good public relations skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and business associates.
• Ability to effectively manage and respond to disruptive or escalated behaviors using appropriate intervention strategies.

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.

• Full‑time | Grant‑Funded
• During the School Year:
  Tuesday – Saturday, 8 am – 5 pm or 9 am – 6 pm (Sunday and Monday off)
• During the Summer:
  Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm or 9 am – 6 pm (Saturdays as needed)

• $50,003.20 – $53,040.00 (Annually)
• Plus mileage reimbursement
• Based on 26 pay periods

• 3131 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77003

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.