Youth Build Construction Instructor

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Construction Instructor will provide on-site training and supervision to program participants in the construction of affordable housing and related projects. This role combines hands-on building with instruction, mentorship, and safety oversight to ensure that young adults gain marketable construction skills while contributing to meaningful community projects.

Housing Alliance HTX, officially known as Houston Housing Authority (hereinafter the “Agency”) is seeking a Construction Instructor to work closely with the YouthBuild participants to train and certify Agency YouthBuild participants in the Nation Center for Construction and Education Research Curriculum and to teach construction skills. The Construction Instructor will supervise the participants in the classroom and on the approved worksite.  They will teach youth the skills necessary to gut, rehabilitation or construction of a house or an apartment building and advanced carpentry skills.  The Construction Instructor will also assist with supportive guidance and encouragement to the development of the young adults personal and leadership skills.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach construction skills including demolition, framing, interior work, carpentry, etc. and the appropriate use of equipment and tools through demonstrations, modeling skills and supervising utilizing the NCCER curriculum.
• Provide hands-on instruction in basic to advanced construction skills (e.g., carpentry, framing, drywall, roofing, painting, plumbing, electrical basics, and tool usage).
• Teach safe procedures for use and handling of equipment, tools, and clean-up of the construction area through demonstrations, modeling appropriate procedure and supervision. 
• Collaborate with program staff to integrate academic learning with construction activities.
• Monitor participants’ progress, provide feedback, and document skill development.
• Coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and community partners to ensure projects meet quality and compliance standards.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and professional work habits.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Department Of Labor (DOL) regulations and comprehensive understanding of Agency policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of residential and light commercial construction.

• Basic carpentry, framing, drywall, painting, and general maintenance techniques.
• Construction tools, equipment, and materials, including safe operation and maintenance.
• Occupational safety standards, including OSHA regulations and jobsite safety procedures.
• Blueprint reading, basic measurements, and construction math.
• Workforce development principles and hands-on training methodologies.
• Youth development, case management coordination, and barrier-removal strategies for participants.
• Local building codes and industry standards relevant to entry-level construction work.
• Demonstrating and teaching hands-on construction techniques in a classroom and jobsite environment.
• Developing lesson plans, training schedules, and practical skill-building activities.
• Assessing participant skill levels and providing constructive feedback.
• Maintaining safe, organized, and productive training environments.
• Communicating technical concepts clearly to individuals with varying learning styles and educational backgrounds.
• Managing tools, materials, and inventory for training projects.
• Conflict resolution, mentoring, and motivating participants.
• Coordinating with Agency YouthBuild program staff, contractors, and partner organizations.
• Ability to instruct and supervise participants in construction activities safely and effectively.
• Ability to adapt training methods to meet diverse learning needs and skill levels.
• Ability to enforce safety policies and maintain OSHA-compliant worksites.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple training projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build positive relationships with participants, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to evaluate participant progress and document outcomes accurately.
• Ability to lift, carry, and use construction tools and materials as required for training activities.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
• Skilled in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skilled in interpersonal relationships.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication that will establish positive working relationships with agencies and organizations in the city and county that have programs available for Agency participants. 
• Ability to develop, implement and coordinate programs and activities designed to serve families that will assist them in becoming self-sufficient and upwardly mobile.
• Ability to address the public and present information in a clear, concise, and convincing manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with situations that require tact and diplomacy yet firmness.
• Possess strong organizational skills with demonstrated leadership abilities.

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• Most duties performed by the employee are routine in nature; however, engaging participants in the Agency YouthBuild program and activities can be challenging and requires persistent outreach and relationship-building. The employee independently identifies necessary tasks, establishes priorities, and coordinates resources to ensure effective program delivery.
• From time to time, the employee must exercise sound judgment when addressing unusual or sensitive situations and develop appropriate, effective solutions.
• The employee’s performance has a direct impact on participants engaged in the Agency YouthBuild program. Carrying out responsibilities effectively, efficiently, and with empathy strengthens relationships between participants and the Agency YouthBuild Program. 

GUIDELINES

• The employee follows regulations and guidelines issued by DOL regarding the Agency YouthBuild Program, community services, resident services, and resident initiatives, and applicable Agency policies and procedures.
• The employee acts independently in making decisions about the best course of action.  In situations with no guidelines, the employee may adapt existing approaches, develop new guidelines, decide based on the circumstances, or seek guidance from the Agency YouthBuild Program Manager.
• When new guidelines are required, the employee develops them in consultation with the Agency YouthBuild Program Manager.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

•   The employee has no supervisory responsibilities.
•   Generally, assignments and instructions come from the Agency 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 dealt with independently or in consultation with the Agency YouthBuild Program Manager. 
• The employee's work is reviewed regularly for adherence to policies and the attainment of objectives.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

•    The employee’s primary contacts are with program participants and partner agencies that support the Agency YouthBuild Program. These interactions are intended to connect Agency YouthBuild participants to community services, promote resident engagement and pride, and provide a range of support services for individual families.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily sedentary and may involve physical exertion.
• Work may require travel to meetings, conferences, and workshops in other cities. 
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• The employee's work is primarily in-office and involves visits to participant housing, the offices of other agencies, community centers, and meeting halls.  
• The employee may be exposed to weather extremes and the usual hazards associated with housing developments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in residential construction or a related trade.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor individuals with varying skill levels.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, tools, and OSHA safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, blueprints, and specifications.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to working with young adults in a supportive, empowering environment.

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.