Hybrid Youth Build Case Manager bei Houston Housing Authority

GENERAL SUMMARY

The YouthBuild Case Manager provides support and resources to young adults ages (16-24) in need of support to the underserved population and addressees barriers to education and employment. The Case Manager is responsible for providing pre-post-employment case management services, social services navigation, coaching and other supportive services and critical resources.   The Case Manager helps to identify areas of needs and work with individuals to identify goals and plans to address barriers (receive support) to allow the individual to prepare to successfully transition into post-secondary or career pathways.  The Case Manager will employ innovative coaching and motivational strategies beyond conventional case management approaches to support participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency. The Case Manager implements strategies to achieve the goals of the organization, mission and works on projects and initiatives with cohorts as specified in grant agreement.   Reports to the YouthBuild Program Manager and exercises no supervision over other staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES            

 Support initial intake and assessment with identifying areas of need and develop appropriate program plans to address needs. Needs for assistance may include but are not limited to high school diploma prep, individualized learning plans, life and study skills training, financial literacy, college and career readiness, technology access, online learning platform, mentorship programs, community service, substance(s) abuse counseling, mental health, childcare, financial aid and transportation assistance. 

• Collaborate with outreach teams to promote program participation and engagement and develop innovative strategies to encourage ongoing participation and success in the program. 
• Develop, in conjunction with the youth, an individual development plan (IDP) that identifies area(s) of need, set goals, and outlines a plan for achievement of goals.  
• Provide career counseling, mentoring, employment and financial education/literacy to youth adults ages 16-24 that are disconnected from education and employment.
• Complete comprehensive assessments to determine the needs, employment challenges, educational and career goals of young adults.   
• Collected and analyzed documents to determine the need 
• Provide individualized case management services to youth and young adults based on individual needs and program plans. 
• Assess, monitor, and modify participants’ education, employment, and personal development goals. 
• Provide skill development and job coaching service where necessary based upon the needs of the individual served.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to support participants in education, job readiness, and personal well-being: 
• Assist participants in preparing for employment by developing resumes and cover letters, identifying job opportunities, and preparing for interviews, on the job training, apprenticeships, etc.,  
• Identify and address participants’ needs for supportive services, referring them to appropriate community resources.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations to expand opportunities for participants. 
• Facilitate financial literacy training and connect participants with resources to improve financial stability. 
• Engage and educate participants about financial benefits, including income disregards and savings strategies. 
• Conduct follow-ups with participants to track progress toward educational, employment, and personal development goals. 
• Monitor attendance and participation in program activities, addressing barriers to engagement. 
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive assistance to participants facing challenges. 
• Cleary record individual progress through services and complete all documentation and reporting within established timeframes using the company provided software and data tracking systems (collecting and imputing data into the system as required: monthly, quarterly, and/or annually.
• Deliver services as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).
• Comply with organization policies, procedures, contractual guidelines, safety and security regulations and rules protecting participants confidentiality.
• Conduct outreach efforts to explain the available services to larger communities. 
• Attending all internal and external meetings and trainings as required 
• Problem Solving: works independently, solves problems of moderate to advanced complexity, able to identify root cause, interpret data and resolve issues.  Periodic review of work by manager.  
• Technical Skill: Understands and applies professional principles and skills within area of specialization to evaluate processes and seek guidance and approval to modify processes to resolve issues. 
• Community Engagement: Champion YouthBuild Initiatives and serve as an ambassador for the program in the greater community. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong commitment to youth/adult leadership and empowerment and ability to work sensitively and effective with young adults (16-24).
• A minimum of three years’ experience providing individual counseling and/or coaching to diverse youth and young adults seeking education and employment advancement in their careers, preferably youth considered at-risk.
• Experience using various career exploration tools and assessments as well as experience interpreting local labor market information.
• Experience in one or more of the following: Social Services, Education, Non-Profit Management, Community Leadership and Development, Communications, Government Sectors or a related field.
• Knowledge of job training methods, techniques workforce development programs, youth services, and case management principles preferred (Bonus if familiar with YouthBuild USA Program).
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, Strengths-Based Approaches, and Participant-Driven Coaching Models. 
• Ability to develop and implement effective service delivery strategies. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with participants, providing guidance and motivation to achieve self-sufficiency. 
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with community organizations, employers, and educational institutions. 
• Strong organizational and case management skills, with the ability to manage a caseload effectively 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to address the public and present program information in a professional manner. 
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism. 
• Demonstrated commitment to accountability, measuring outcomes and result-oriented culture.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to learn and effectively use various Workforce Development Information Systems. 
• Ability to interact in a positive, motivational and supportive manner, providing guidance to job seekers with very diverse backgrounds, including at-risk youth, non-high school graduates and persons with disabilities. 
• Able to work flexible hours and travel to multiple work locations as needed.
• Must maintain a high level of confidentiality and code of ethics.
• Enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. 

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• Work performed by the employee ranges from relatively routine to the unusual.  
• 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, provides long-term benefits in management of the Houston Housing Authority housing, and results in the self-sufficiency of participating residents.

GUIDELINES

• The employee follows local laws, state and federal regulations, and guidelines issued by HUD regarding the YouthBuild program, community services, resident services, and resident initiatives and applicable Houston Housing Authority policies and procedures.
• When new guidelines are required, employee consults supervisor regarding modifications and seek approval in accordance with agency rules and regulations, as specified by grant agreement and/or governing agency.   

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The employee has no supervisory duties or responsibilities.
• Generally, assignments and instructions come from the YouthBuild Program Manager and are broad, 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 YouthBuild Program Manager.   
• The employee's work is reviewed regularly for adherence to policies and procedures in the attainment of objectives.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee's contacts are primarily with residents and other agencies that aid the YouthBuild program. The purpose of such contacts is to bring community services and tenant 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

• The employee's work is performed both indoors and outdoors, and involves numerous visits to housing developments, residents' homes, the offices of other agencies, community centers and meeting halls.  
• The employee may drive agency vehicles, and may be required to push, pull and/or lift objects weighing up to and more than 25 pounds, such as boxes of canned food, tables, or a resident who must be helped into and out of a vehicle.  
• The employee may be required to work unusual hours.
• The employee may be exposed to weather extremes and to the usual hazards associated with housing developments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education or related field(s) Required. 
• A minimum of three years of professional experience providing Case Management, Supportive Services, Education, Workforce Development Training, Coaching and Mentoring Services for low-income, special needs and/or at-risk populations.  
• A minimum of three years’ experience providing individual counseling and/or coaching to diverse youth and young adults seeking education and employment advancement in their careers, preferably youth considered at-risk.
• ·Experience working with at-risk youth, low-income individuals and diverse populations.
• Familiarity with case management, supportive services, education and workforce development programs and services, career coaching, job readiness training, financial literacy programs, social service organizations and an array of local, state and federal community resources. 
• Training in Motivational Interviewing or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy preferred. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a working knowledge of grammar usage, letter writing skills and proofreading.
• Bilingual (English: Spanish) or Multi-lingual skills highly preferred. 
• Must be able to demonstrate proven problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. 
• Valid Texas driver’s license and eligibility for Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.
• Bondable 

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. Please be advised that this role is subject to the availability of grant funding.