Education Advocate

Department History Overview:

Harris County Resources for Children and Adults was founded in 1966 as the Harris County Child Welfare Board to provide support services for children taken under the wing of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Fifty years later Harris County Resources for Children and Adults still provides this support. But the now-county department has expanded services for early prevention intervention and adult services.

Vision:

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

Education Advocate Overview:

Under the supervision of the Pre-Transitional Service Supervisor this position provides educational programming primarily to current and former foster youth between the ages of 16-25. Educational programming includes educating youth on their PAL benefits offering academic tutoring preparation for college entrance exams scholarship and FAFSA application assistance GED preparation and other educational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receives referrals from case management team for current and former foster youth.

• Develops individualized plans to assist each youth with their educational goals. These goals often include preparation for college entrance exams scholarship and FAFSA application assistance GED preparation credit recovery assistance etc.

• Participates in collaborative meetings with community partners (including local school districts within region 6 community colleges and universities) to stay abreast of appropriate resources for HAY eligible youth.

• Responsible for planning/implementing and attending HAY Center educational events including College Tours The College Bound Experience College Fairs etc.

• Works closely with the HAY Center Volunteer Departments Academic Coaching Program to conduct individual and group tutoring sessions.

• Participates in Life Skills Training to educate youth on their PAL educational benefits to include the tuition waiver and education training voucher.

• Completes weekly and monthly case management reports as required by the PAL contract and submits to direct supervisor within a required time frame.

• Enters all required documentation in agency database within a required timeframe and maintains adequate case records.

• Participates and attends HAY Center events and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) statewide and regional activities as required.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Education Psychology Sociology Social Work Criminal Justice Counseling or other Behavioral or Social Science.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of full-time paid experience working with transition age youth (16-25 years old) in an educational environment.

• Training and experience using a personal computer with a variety of software such as Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel and Case Management Software.

Licensure:

• Reliable transportation with a valid drivers license and auto liability insurance.

• Ability to become CPR Certified.

• Ability to obtain a food handlers certification.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of alternative education techniques for teaching which includes GED and special education courses.

• Knowledge and understanding of adolescent/transition age youth stages of development.

• Knowledge of behavioral assessment administration/interpretation tools.

• Knowledge of transitional needs including life skills and linkages for youth aging out of the foster care system.

• Classroom management experience (including behavioral management and student engagement).

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be responsible and self-disciplined and work independently.

• Ability to drive 15 passenger van.

• Self-motivated and possess excellent time management skills.

• Must possess great organizational skills.

• Have good public relations.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and business associates.

• Ability to problem solve and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Interacts and maintains professional working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

• Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishments of team or work unit goals objectives and activities.

NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Grant Funded Full-Time

• Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm or 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Some Saturdays)

Salary Range:

• $50003.20--$53040.00

• Based on 26 Pay Periods

• Plus Mileage Reimbursement

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.