Job Summary

Please note this position is open until filled; however, to ensure consideration applications should be received by December 5, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

These are part-time temporary positions only open to residents of KCHA (Public Housing or Section 8) living in Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland or Issaquah. These positions will be working approximately 5-6 hours/week (25 hours per month) for 12-months.

King County Housing Authority (KCHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing nationally recognized leader in affordable housing. KCHA provides innovative and effective housing solutions so that people and communities can prosper. Our vision is that all residents of King County have quality affordable housing. KCHA is the largest housing provider in the county, and annually, the agency serves over 55,000 low-income individuals.

We transform lives through housing.

The Education Program Assistant will engage in activities that support the Educational Initiatives of King County Housing Authority in Kent. Responsibilities will include assisting KCHA staff and community partners to engage residents with children (pre-natal to 5 years old) in activities and projects designed to increase access to early learning services and build safe, vibrant communities.

Essential Functions

Duties and responsibilities for the Assistant assigned to this position will focus on the implementation of programs and activities to encourage and expand the use of services related to early learning and early child health. Work may include:

• Work with KCHA staff to develop and facilitate activities directly related to engaging residents with small children and report results as requested.
• Build and maintain contacts with residents and their families to foster involvement in early learning activities and services.
• Become familiar with early learning organizations and agencies in the local community
• Assist in the creation and distribution of culturally appropriate child development information and resources to residents.
• Provide referrals and enrollment assistance for early learning programs to residents.
• Collect family/community information on early learning needs and desires, including administering surveys.
• Maintain confidentiality of families, caregivers and program information.
• Participate in evening and/or weekend meetings/activities as required.
• Assist in the translation of outreach materials in languages other than English when appropriate.
• Other resident engagement activities, specific to the needs of the assigned properties, as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalency.
• Experience (paid or volunteer) with customer service, early learning, education, outreach and or community involvement; knowledge and/or experience in early childhood development desired.
• Bilingual in Arabic and English is highly preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be substituted on a year for year basis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals and groups; ability to speak, read and write in languages other than English is desirable.
• Exceptional customer service and/or community outreach skills with the ability to place a high priority on professional excellence; maintain a positive customer service attitude.
• Earnest desire to help others through kindness and compassion.
• Willingness and ability to acquire the skills necessary to provide quality direct service pertinent to the service site.
• Ability to complete basic computer and technology tasks, including word processing, email, internet, and texting.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment exhibiting a strong work ethic and accountability in completing work with minimal supervision. Ability to develop trusting and respectful relationships and work effectively with children and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Conduct self in a respectful, professional and ethical manner.
• Respect the need for punctuality, good attendance and active participation at assigned site(s).

Special Requirements:

• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the first day of employment or have an approved medical or religious exemption and reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualifying individuals if the accommodations do not present an undue hardship. More information can be found by clicking the following link, COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements.
• Consent to and pass criminal records background check.
• May be required to consent to and pass required assessments.
• Must possess a valid driver's license to regularly travel between work sites or have alternative reliable mode of transportation.

Position Information and Application Process

Application Requirements:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must:

• Complete the online application profile in its entirety.
• Upload a cover letter that addresses how your experience and education qualifies you to perform the essential functions listed in the job announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload a detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)

Salary Information:
The starting salary for this position is $20.02 hourly. Please note that residents working in these roles earning less than $500 per month can have earnings exempted from rent calculations.

Physical Work Environment:
Incumbent(s) must be able to meet the physical requirements of the classification and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the functions performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment which may include community centers, outdoor classrooms, cubicles, shared office space and computer labs. The incumbent frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, telephone and related equipment and should be prepared to share office space and equipment with partner site staff.

Equal Opportunity:
King County Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.