Pathway Home Career Mentor

Posted on

CLASSIFICATION:    Non-Exempt (Full-Time)

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

 

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

The Pathway Home Career Mentor works with incarcerated individuals both pre-release and post-release to smooth their reentry into the community and transition them into gainful employment. Participant services include detailed assessment, career planning, transition planning, barrier alleviation, preparation for training and employment, life and job skills training, group and individualized career coaching and support, monitoring and follow-up, and overall case management. This job may qualify for hybrid work.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by:      Pathway Home Program Manager

Supervises:           Interns (if available)

Coordinates with: Pathway Home program staff, TVW program staff, partner staff.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Treat our program participants as individual human beings deserving of respect and assistance and not merely as cases or numbers; meet them where they are; make a connection to build trust and efficacy as a mentor while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Apply a whole-family lens to working with participants, considering their specific family situation and the needs of the entire family and/or household to help ensure a successful transition back to the community.
  • Provide pre-release jail-based career services including comprehensive assessment, individualized education/career planning, job readiness, job search, and occupational training.
  • Provide jail-based supportive services including benefit coordination, gaining identification and driver’s licenses, and parenting and child support counseling.
  • Assist participants to transition to the community through discharge planning, reengagement and outreach, working with the same individuals both pre-release and post-release, ensuring continuity of services and providing incentives for quick post-release engagement (72 hours).
  • Provide and coordinate post-release community-based career services including WIOA services, job-search assistance, job placement, occupational training, GED referrals, on-the-job training, job retention, career advancement and mentoring.
  • Provide and coordinate post-release community-based supportive services for transportation, housing, benefits and disability coordination, obtaining driver’s licenses, legal services, child care, clothing and work supports, mental and physical health services, substance use recovery support and financial literacy.
  • Develop individualized funding plans and connect participants to grant and leveraged supportive service funds to aid in their transition.
  • Keep detailed case notes and maintain scrupulous case files with all required documentation.
  • Ensure all information is entered into performance and case management systems, including EmpowOR, in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Follow participant after release and document outcomes for up to one year, including training completions, skills gains, employment, retention, earnings and recidivism.
  • Productivity: perform as efficiently as possible without jeopardizing quality; recommend areas where productivity can be improved.
  • Job Knowledge: apply skills and knowledge required for the job; demonstrate ability to understand the required duties, responsibilities, skills, and procedures.
  • Quality of Work: demonstrate thoroughness and accuracy of work performed; ensure results are consistently within acceptable quality standards.
  • Cooperation: be cooperative and flexible; seek to collaborate and offer assistance to others on a regular basis; actively contributes to the team’s goals.
  • Dependability and Attendance: show consistency in carrying out assignments; perform responsibilities with minimal direct supervision; meet or exceed punctuality and attendance requirements. When necessitated, follow call-in procedures and inform supervisor of absences.
  • Initiative: show interest and willingness to learn; do what needs to be done without being asked. Take responsibility for independent action; anticipate potential problems/opportunities; seek additional assignments when other tasks are completed.
  • Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service based on TAP’s customer service training and models the 4 keys to excellent customer service Service/Attitude/Consistency/Teamwork. Make serving others the #1 priority; maintain positive attitude; consistently set high standards and treat everyone with dignity and respect; be supportive of coworkers and clients/customers.
  • Communication, follow-up and follow-through: ensure telephone service, voicemail, email address and/or page communications fall in line with the agency standards; refer customer/clients to other components or agencies as needed; respond to customers/clients in a timely fashion and follow up.
  • Support the agency’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals and help create a welcoming and affirming work environment for all agency staff and participants.
  • Complete mandatory reports required by funding source, Project Director, and Director for This Valley Works.
  • Participates in special events of the agency(ies).
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required.

 

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Preferred associate degree with related experience; or High School Degree or GED with at least 2 years’ experience.
  • Experience working with incarcerated populations preferred.
  • At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach.   Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals.  As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to work effectively managing competing priorities in tight deadlines
  • Ability to instruct adults in job seeking and retention skills, including resume writing and conflict resolution a plus.
  • Interpersonal skills required.
  • Must be able to relate to person of varying socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Well organized and possess written and verbal communication skills.
  • Flexibility to work outside traditional work hours as needed
  • Strong desire to see outcome driven results
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with senior management, staff, potential partners, and the community

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass background requirements to work inside local and regional jails.
  • Free to travel as necessary.
  • This position requires the individual to be in the field and must have contact with the office staff and supervisor therefore an agency issued cell phone is necessary.
  • Reliable transportation and a valid Virginia Operator’s license with a good driving record for insurance purposes.
  • Must pass drug screening. Will require positive complete background screening including: criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
  • TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.  Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
  • Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching, and typing; grasping, feeling, hearing, talking, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Physical requirements of this position – light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
  • Visual acuity requirements – close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
  • Conditions subject to in this position – worker not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilingual ability is a plus.

Special Needs Assistant

Posted on

CLASSIFICATION:    Non-Exempt

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

 

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

The Special Needs Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of the educational program for children with disabilities, special needs, and/or mental/behavioral health issues in Early Head Start/Head Start settings. Working under the guidance of the Teacher, the Special Needs Assistant provides direct assistance and individualized support to children with diverse learning needs, ensuring their inclusion and participation in all aspects of the educational program.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by:      Lead Teacher, Teacher, Center Supervisors, Disabilities Coordinator, Behavior Health Coordinator, Education Coordinators, Supervisor of E

Supervises:           No One

Coordinates with: EHS/HS Center and Administrative Staff

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) or individualized family service plans (IFSPs) for children with disabilities, special needs, and/or behavioral health concerns.
  • Provide one-on-one support and assistance to children with diverse learning needs, including personal care, mobility assistance and behavioral support.
  • Collaborate with the Teacher and other classroom staff to create a supportive inclusive learning environment for all children.
  • Support children’s social-emotional development by modeling positive behaviors, facilitating peer interactions, and implementing strategies to address challenging behaviors.
  • Adapt instructional materials and activities to meet the individual needs and abilities of children with disabilities or special needs, ensuring their full participation and engagement in the educational program.
  • Assist in the assessment and documentation of children’s progress and development, under the direction of the Teacher and Special Education staff.
  • Foster positive relationships with children and families, promoting open communication and partnership in the educational process.
  • Demonstrate skills in the CLASS Tool to promote a positive, engaging, responsive, respected, child-centered, and safe environment. By nurturing meaningful interactions, educators will support children’s holistic development.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information related to children and families, in accordance with program policies and regulations.
  • Assists with keeping equipment and materials safe, clean, and in good condition at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Works to continue education by attending classes, meetings, workshops, and conferences related to Head Start and early childhood education, earning at least 21 training hours per program year as defined in the TAP Head Start training plan
    • Attends center staff meetings monthly, or as needed.
    • Develops professional development goals with supervisor, annually.
    • Participates in classes, workshops, meetings, and conferences that move toward meeting professional development goals, as requested or assigned.
  • Assists the Lead Teacher in creating an atmosphere in the center that is welcoming to parents and families of all children.
  • Adheres to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the TAP Head Start Code of Conduct.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required by the Supervisor.

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Basic understanding of child development, disabilities and special education principles.
  • Compassion, patience and empathy in working with children with diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with colleagues and interact sensitively with children and families.
  • Ability to implement instructional strategies under the supervision of the Teacher and Special Education staff.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the individual needs and behaviors of children with disabilities or special needs.

 

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field preferred.
  • Previous experience working with children with disabilities, special needs and/or behavioral health issues preferred.
  • Training in crisis intervention techniques may be required.
  • At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach.   Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals.  As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have a valid Virginia Operator’s license and reliable transportation.
  • TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.  Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
  • Must pass drug screening.  Some positions require positive complete background screening including:  criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
  • Must be able to interact with children.
  • Must have CPR, First Aid Certification, and MAT certification or be able to complete such certification within 6 months of employment.
  • Must be available to work any eight (8) hour shift during center operational hours of 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching, and typing; grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Physical requirements of this position – medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Visual acuity requirements – must be able to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Conditions worker subject to in this position – worker in not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required by the Supervisor.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job and general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilingual Ability is a plus.

Child Care Aide

Posted on

CLASSIFICATION:             Non-Exempt

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Child Care Aide plays a crucial role in supporting the educational program of Early/Head Start by assisting classroom staff. Responsibilities include performing tasks assigned by the Lead Teacher/Center Supervisor to support Teachers I and II in delivering high-quality care for the children in their center.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Supervised by:                        Lead Teacher, Teacher, Center Supervisor

Supervises:                             No One

Coordinates with:                   Center and Administrative staff

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND/OR SPECIFIC DUTIES

  • Assists with implementation of the educational program for children.
    • Creates a welcoming atmosphere in the center for children and their families.
    • Assists with arrival or departure of children, including greeting children and communicating with parents.
    • Supports daily routines in the classroom, including transitions to Head Start.
    • Aids in preparing and serving meals and snacks, promoting family-style dining and modeling appropriate mealtime behavior.
    • Helps with naptime routines, such as setting up of cribs/cots, assisting children with toileting and handwashing.
    • Participates in classroom activities as defined in the lesson plan.
    • Demonstrates developmentally appropriate practices in all interactions with children.
    • Observes and supervises children individually and as a group, responding promptly to their needs.
    • Assists in documenting observations for Teaching Strategies GOLD.
    • Assist in documenting meals in ChildPlus at the point of service.
  • Assists with maintaining classroom environment in accordance with TAP Head Start Policies and Procedures and Virginia Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Care Programs.
    • Supports in setting up and cleaning the classroom daily.
    • Inspect the classroom for safety hazards and ensures equipment and materials are safe, clean, and well maintained at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
    • Helps maintain a conducive environment for exploration and experiential learning with interest areas, accessible to children.
    • Provide immediate accident information to the supervisor and maintains open communication with all center staff.
    • Adheres to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and TAP Head Start Code of Conduct
  • Attends meetings, workshops, or in-service training related to Head Start or Early Childhood Education as required.
  • Maintains a current First Aid and CPR and MAT certification.
  • Reports cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to supervisory staff and call Child Protective Services immediately.
  • Adheres to all policies/procedures as outlined in the TAP Head Start Policies and Procedures Manual.
  • Adheres to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the TAP Head Start Code of Conduct.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to perform assigned duties, actively participating in program planning and decision-making.
  • Creates a positive work environment by demonstrating flexibility and willingness to perform other job-related duties as assigned, and by participating appropriately in program planning and decisions, and in implementation of those plans.
  • Must be able to work an 8 hour shift between the hours of 6:30AM and 6:00PM.
  • Performs all other job related tasks upon request by the supervisor.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

  • Basic knowledge of developmental characteristics and needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Familiarity with appropriate activities and interactions for young children.
  • Ability to understand and follow policies and procedures outlined in the TAP Head Start Policies and Procedures Manual.
  • Proficiency in reading, write and communicate with staff, parents, and children.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate skills in the CLASS Tool to promote a positive, engaging, responsive, respected, child-centered, and safe environment. By nurturing meaningful interactions, educators will support children’s holistic development.

 

TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

  • Must obtain Preschool or Infant/Toddler CDA (Child Development Associate) within 90 days of employment.
  • Must obtain AA degree with concentration in Early Childhood Education or Child Development within two (2) years of hire.
  • At least one year of experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or pre-school children.
  • At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach.  Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals.  As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess a valid VA operator’s license and have daily access to car.
  • TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.  Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
  • Must have CPR, First Aid certification, and MAT certification or be able to complete such certification within 6 months of employment.
  • Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching and typing, grasping, feeling, hearing, talking, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Physical requirements of this position – medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Visual acuity requirements – worker must be able to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Conditions subject to in this position – worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

 

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilingual Ability is a plus.