Jobs Plus Community Coach

GENERAL SUMMARY Responsible for supporting a robust engagement strategy that supports the housing authority’s efforts to transform the culture within a public housing development into a working community. Key duties shall include peer-to-peer support and guidance to increase residents’ involvement and participation in the JOBS PLUS Program.

The employee may perform some or all of the duties listed below. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Market various aspects of the JOBS-PLUS program to ensure residents are informed and encouraged to enroll in the program. Marketing shall consist of but not be limited to: door-to-door flier distribution, posting information, word-of month, social media, hosting events and community events.

Monitor the career center and computer labs to provide adequate support and guidance to ensure residents’ needs are addressed. Assist in conducting informal assessments and surveys to gather data from residents. Assist in hosting resident orientations and workshops to engage and inform residents about the JOBS PLUS program and its’ services.

Provide factual information to encourage residents’ participation and dispel any challenges that will potentially impact the programs’ success. Work in collaboration with the housing authority staff and its’ community partners to create innovative outreach strategies to attract and retain residents’ participation in the JOBS PLUS program.

Assist in maintaining program records, files and sign-in logs. Attend meetings (local and out-of-town) as assigned by the housing authority. Develop and maintain community resources and referral systems between the Houston Housing Authority and community resources. Maintain close contact with formal and informal resident groups to ascertain resident needs.

Provide informal peer-to-peer coaching to assist residents’ who require guidance and/or experiencing crisis situations. Serve as a liaison between Houston Housing Authority, management, community partners and residents. Facilitate establishment of constructive and professional relationships between residents and the Houston Housing Authority.

Prepare requested Authority reports accurately, timely and professionally. Maintain informational linkages with civic, community and social services organizations in target areas. Assist in performing case management duties consisting of: information and referrals, rent assistance, assessment of resident needs, plan of action development, follows-up on referrals, appointment setting, and periodic home/telephone contact.

Conducts home visits, office visits and/or phone contact, as directed. Identify resident needs and issues and make recommendations to the Houston Housing regarding unmet needs and/or program adjustments. Complete driving assignments and accompany residents on trips related to workforce development. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of pertinent HUD regulations and public housing management, and comprehensive knowledge of Houston Housing Authority policies and procedures. Good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Ability to provide motivational factors to clients through individual or group counseling.

Ability to develop and maintain representative, community groups, educational institutes, resident councils, residents and employees. Comprehensive knowledge of social work and resources available through community agencies. Skilled in working independently under considerable pressure without close supervision while maintaining effective and accurate performance.

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK Most of the work performed by the employee is relatively routine. However, convincing residents to participate in Houston Housing Authority programs and activities is often very difficult. The employee identifies work that needs to be done, prioritizes, coordinates efforts and performs the tasks.

Occasionally, the employee must make decisions regarding unusual or sensitive situations and must develop new solutions. The employee's work affects other employees and residents throughout the housing developments. Performing work tasks effectively, efficiently and with compassion enhances relationships between residents and the Houston Housing Authority, improves residents' status and provides long-term benefits in management of the Houston Housing Authority housing.

GUIDELINES The employee follows regulations and guidelines issued by HUD regarding community services, resident services, resident participation and applicable Houston Housing Authority policies and procedures. The employee acts independently in making decisions about the best course of action. Situations where there are no guidelines, the employee may adapt existing guidelines, develop new guidelines, make a decision based on the circumstances, or seek guidance from the supervisor.

When new guidelines are required, the employee develops them in consultation with the Director of Client Services. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The employee has no supervisory responsibility. The employee receives instructions from the Director of Client Services. Normally, the employee plans and carries out work activities with minimal supervision and independently resolves problems that arise.

The employee receives specific instructions when complaints are brought to the attention of the supervisor; and when the supervisor is contacted by the employee for direction. The employee's work is regularly reviewed for adherence to Houston Housing Authority policies and procedures and attainment of objectives. PERSONAL CONTACTS The employee's contacts include: Community Relations staff, other Houston Housing Authority employees, residents, resident councils, businesses, corporations, city and community service organizations and agencies.

The purpose of such contacts is to bring community services and resident services to Houston Housing Authority residents, foster resident pride and participation, and provide various kinds of support and assistance for individual families. PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily sedentary, and may involve physical exertion during visits to housing developments.

The employee may be required to work unusual hours in excess of forty hours a week, if necessary, as required by Public Housing resident activities. The employee must be willing and able to travel 15-25% of the time and have dependable transportation. The employee's work is primarily in-office, but also involves visits to housing developments, resident's homes, the offices of other agencies, community centers and meeting halls.

The employee may be exposed to weather extremes and to the usual hazards associated with housing developments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A High School Diploma or GED A current Community Health Worker cerfication is preferred A public housing resident of Oxford Place in good-standing with their current lease agreement and no lease violations within the past 12-months. 6-months of related case management experience (paid and unpaid) with low-income individuals Bi-lingual with English and fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Bondable. Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain such within the first thirty (30) days of employment. Eligibility for coverage under Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance. DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.