Jobs-plus Community Coach - Houston, United States - The Houston Housing Authority

Description

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.

Essential 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 responsibilities listed below. Reports to the JOBS-Plus Program Manager.


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 doortodoor flier distribution, posting information, wordofmouth, social media, hosting events, and community events.
• Monitor the career center and computer labs to provide adequate support and guidance to address residents' needs.
• 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 could 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 signin logs.
• Attend meetings (local and outoftown) 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 peertopeer coaching to assist residents who require guidance and/or experiencing crises.
• Serve as a liaison between Houston Housing Authority, management, community partners, and residents.
• Facilitate the 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: information and referrals, rent assistance, assessment of resident needs, plan of action development, followup on referrals, appointment setting, and regular home/telephone contact.
• Conducts home visits, office visits, and/or phone contact, as directed.
• Identify resident needs and issues and make recommendations to Houston Housing Authority 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 understanding 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 representatives, 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 adequate 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 longterm benefits in the Houston Housing Authority housing management.

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.
• In situations where there are no guidelines, the employee may adapt existing guidelines, develop new guidelines, decide based on the circumstances, or seek guidance from the supervisor.
• When new