Housing Counselor chez None

Position Title:     Housing Counselor 

Reports To:          Housing Medical Case Manager (MCM) Coordinator

Department:        Direct Services

Program:             Division of HIV Health 

Status:                Full-time Monday-Friday, Non-Exempt, eligible for benefits

This position is part of a new program that will develop and implement a new transitional housing and supportive services program aligned with Housing First principles for people with HIV in Philadelphia. Services include: housing counseling, housing MCM and placement in subsidized rental units in Philadelphia. The goals of this program are to 1) retain clients in HIV medical care in order to achieve viral suppression and 2) locate affordable and/ or subsidized, permanent housing within 48 months.  Persons currently experiencing homelessness and persons who are unstably housed will be prioritized for this program.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services OR three or more years of previous experience in providing housing counseling and services.   
• Able to manage a caseload of 20 to 40 participants.
• Knowledge of Harm Reduction, Housing First and knowledge of trauma-informed care in the delivery of services.
• Ability to use a Coordinated Entry platform for housing applications.
• Knowledge of housing inspections prior to acquisition of housing and during residence of the housing unit.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of different gender orientations, and sexual, racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.  

• Knowledge of Philadelphia resources in particular housing services, financial, and vocational resources.
• Thorough understanding of medical and psychosocial issues related to HIV infection, homelessness and poverty
• Flexibility in work hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Experience or willingness to acquire competency in financial counseling.  
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus but not required.     

Basic Function:

Provide a full range of in-person direct services to clients seeking assistance with housing that includes identifying housing, performing inspections and establishing ongoing contacts with a network of landlords including educating landlords on the rules and responsibilities of the program.      

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct in-person services to assigned clients, such as: intake assessments, budgeting & financial assessment, locating housing options, linkage to utility assistance programs, creating Housing Plans, reviewing program guidelines & expectations, as well as, follow up. 
• Coordinate initial face to face meetings with shelter providers.
• Accompanying clients to view potential units during housing search.
• Conduct HUD Housing Quality Standards inspections of units prior to move in and at least annually, which involves in person face to face interaction with property manager, landlord or maintenance personnel of unit. Maintain positive relationships with landlords and property managers.
• Advocate for the program participants with any housing concerns and interaction with landlord, initially will require face to face interaction.
• Attend Appeal Hearing for clients recommended for termination. 
• Facilitate renewal of leases and any lease addendums that will require face to face interaction for signature with landlords, client and Housing Counselor.
• Assistant clients with Identifying resources for with moving expenses, selection of furniture that the client may require in-person support from Housing Counselor, home supplies, and other needs.
• Accompanying clients to furniture bank. 
• Facilitating Life Skills during quarterly home visits.
• Educate clients through face to face interaction on vocational opportunities.   
• Provide In person intensive substantive coaching and counseling training in financial management and personal finance. 
• Conduct landlord engagement meeting quarterly in office in person. 
• Participate in training, conferences and staff development activities as required.
• Linking clients to credit counseling & first-time buyers programs.
• Coordinate with the Housing MCM regarding any biopsychosocial needs of clients.
• Face to face education for clients on tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
• Completing Rental Calculations.
• Implement individual improvement plan for non-compliance.
• Complete monthly reporting and daily DAP notes as required.   
• Work closely with Housing MCM to place clients in permanent housing. 

Non-Essential Functions:

• Create, maintain, and update client files after each encounter.
• Participate in Action Wellness staff and supervisory meetings.
• Participate with team presentation in Direct Service staff meeting annually. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Standards:

The following performance standards are specific to this position.  Meeting or exceeding these standards is an expectation of employment, as is compliance with all other organizational and departmental policies, procedures and expectations.

• Maintain housing inspection certification and /or required training.      
• All paperwork on contact with clients and referrals made on behalf of clients completed per established time frames. 
• Document contact with assigned clients to caseload as per established time frames. 
• Active participation in weekly, Individual Supervisory Meetings.
• Active participation in monthly, Group Supervision Meetings.
• Completion of monthly reports as needed. 
• Attend agency meetings: Direct Service / In-Service / General Staff.
• Maintain resources, related to landlord and property manager network, market rents, as well as facts related to financial counseling and vocational opportunities.   

Position Available: Immediately

Action Wellness is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   

Salary Range: $50-52k

All resumes will be retained for one year. No phone calls please.