PROGRAM ASSISTANT (COMMUNITY LIAISON)

Full Job Description

DEPARTMENT: DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS
DIVISION: OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (MOPD)
REPORTING LOCATION: 611 WALKER
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 5 PM*
*Subject to Change

PURPOSE
Functions as Program Assistant between the City administration and the community, providing reference services and information assistance.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) is the primary advocate for the rights and needs of over 215,000 Houstonians with disabilities. The Office serves as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council, city departments and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to the disability community. MOPD's vision is a city where everyone understands the importance of equal participation and full inclusion of all Houstonians.

Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Administrative

• Provide essential support to leadership, including managing records, organizing schedules, and assisting with important expense reports, and data entry.
• Represent leadership at stakeholder meetings, working groups, and public engagement events to gather input and share OPD’s mission.
• Serve as the Houston Commission on Disabilities’ (HCOD) public comment facilitator, and other in-person and online interactive components during public meetings.
• Assist the I&R Service team with documenting confidential client intake information.
• Manage and utilize the 311 CRIS case database to monitor service request and outcomes.
• Manage and organize all requests for OPD speakers, presentations, and informational sessions to educate the public and community about disability rights and resources.

Accessible Infrastructure and Access Needs

• Assist the PAR Program Coordinator and provide additional infrastructure improvement comments and recommendations.
• Assist with post-construction visits with constituents to provide additional assistance and resources.
• Assist with the review of city communications and Title II of the ADA and other civil rights laws.
• Attend meetings with the Program Coordinator and community engagement groups to discuss modifications to existing sidewalk standards and alterations that will impact community accessibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Business Administration or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of experience in community organizational work, resource and referral services, or a closely related field are required.

SUBSTITUTION: Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with the disability community and/or other diverse and marginalized communities in an advocacy-oriented disability organization.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None
However, the department may administer, and the applicant must successfully complete a skills-assessment relevant to job description.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 18

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by
visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0350.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.