Position Summary
Responsible for developing and executing educational program/activities designed to encourage social, physical, and intellectual development of resident children.
Responsibilities
Undertakes and performs the following and other work-related duties as assigned.
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Develops, plans, schedules and coordinates educational and informational training programs and social and recreation activities for housing development children and youth.
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Addresses each child’s development and recognizes problems of a culture and/or development nature which may be exhibited by certain children; when necessary, devises positive approaches to overcome problems.
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Ensures that an appropriate and equal level of attention and care is given to each child in a manner that is consistent with his/her needs, dependent upon age and stage of development.
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Conducts after school tutoring on homework assignments, computer lab work and other educational activities on a one-to-one basis and coordinates meetings, event and other activities using virtual platforms such as zoom, google, stream yard, others.
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Ensures that all activities are conducted in an equitable manner providing equal opportunity and access to equipment to all children in the group.
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Encourages children’s participation by providing interactive activities.
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Informs staff and parents of curriculum by preparing and submitting lesson plans, posting schedules and curriculum outlines.
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Visits homes of participating and nonparticipating children and youth as necessary.
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Works with city, county, and other agencies in developing programs to meet the educational and recreational needs of the Authority’s youth.
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Develops good partnerships with law enforcement, social service agencies, public health agencies and school administration.
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Recruits and supervises volunteers for the youth programs. Communicates & coordinates with the Youth Programs Coordinator to assist the youths at opportunity centers.
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Keeps adequate records of all equipment and supplies assigned to each staff member.
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Encourages consistency of service by maintaining communications with parents and staff.
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Protects families by keeping personal information confidential.
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Provides a safe environment by maintaining orderly, clean and appealing facilities, removing known safety hazards.
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Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; and participating in professional societies.
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May be required to track time, cost and revenue for Project-Based Management.
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Conducts inventory of supplies and equipment and requisitions supplies needed for learning center. Contacts designated Property Manager to request supplies and report facilities issues with the assigned learning center.
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Clears learning center after classes and makes sure equipment, materials and supplies are properly put away after use.
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Contributes to team effort by accomplishing all other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Associates Degree in Applied Science with studies in Child Development. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences preferred. Two to three years’ experience of related outreach/case management experience; social work and/or public housing. Any combination of experience, education or training that would likely provide the required knowledge.
Knowledge and Skills
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Comprehensive working knowledge of social work, research methodology, and business resources related to substance abuse prevention and intervention.
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Extensive knowledge of computer learning programs promoting the development of high self-esteem, self-confidence, scholastic and economic development in youth.
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Knowledge of professional code of ethics.
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Good knowledge of pertinent HUD regulations and Public Housing management, and comprehensive knowledge of Authority policies and procedures.
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Good knowledge of local public and private resources that can provide alcohol and drug abuse prevention/intervention services, tutoring, mentoring, computer technology, speakers, and the coordination and/or support of service delivery.
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Good computer skills and ability to use other general business machines.
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Ability to address the public and present information in a clear, concise, and convincing manner.
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Ability to deal effectively with situations that require tact and diplomacy, yet firmness.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with other employees, residents, community agencies and other activities that provide services.
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Ability to transport & drive a 15-passenger van & maintain a good driving record. Must always implement safety procedures while transporting resident children, youth and/or elderly persons.
Other Requirements
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Valid Texas Driver’s License.
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Eligibility for coverage under Authority fleet auto insurance.
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Must work with the highest degree of confidentiality.
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Must pass the pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Supervision Controls
Generally, assignments and instructions from the Social Services Coordinator, though there are intermittent occasions when the employee receives specific instructions. The employee initiates and performs routine activities without supervisory direction. Problems or situations that arise and are not covered by instructions are either dealt with independently, or in consultation with the supervisor. The employee’s work is spot-checked periodically for adherence to policies and ensures productivity.
The employee may oversee resident volunteers and review work for accuracy, completeness, and the attainment of objectives. The employee may be required to counsel subordinates as needed.
Guidelines
The employee follows regulations and guidelines issued by HUD programs, community services, resident services, resident initiatives and applicable Authority policies and procedures. Frequently the employee acts independently in making decisions about the best course of action. For situations for which 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 supervisor.
Complexity
Tasks performed by the employee very greatly. Some are routine, while others such as resolving resident problems can be complex and 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.
Scope and Effect
The employee's work primarily affects other employees, children and their families throughout housing developments and the community. Performing work tasks effectively, efficiently and with compassion enhances relationships between resident families, the community and the Authority. Ensures the programs are operated efficiently and effectively allowing residents to participate in a variety of services that will assist them in their efforts to be self-sufficient.
Personal Contacts
The employee's contacts include Authority personnel, residents, resident councils, businesses, schools, corporations, city and community service organizations and agencies. The purpose of such contacts is to bring childcare services to the Authority and community to foster resident pride, participation and provide various kinds of support and assistance for individual families.
Physical Requirements
Work is primarily sedentary but may involve physical exertion during visits to housing developments or community agencies. Work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and may require travel to workshops in other cities.
Work Environment
The employee’s work is primarily in-office, but also involves visits to housing developments, residents’ homes, schools, offices of other agencies, community centers and meeting halls. The employee may be exposed to weather extremes and to the usual hazards associated with visits to housing developments.
