Housing Counselor - Tri County chez COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

Description

Work with people of all economic levels; determine eligibility for MDHHS, MSHDA, HUD and other related programs.  Responsible for facilitating small groups and individual financial coaching to compliment other financial empowerment services. Make referrals to other outside human service agencies.  Responsible for recruitment and maintenance of full enrollment for a variety of housing and self-sufficiency programs ensuring full compliance with State and Federal regulations and meeting program goals.

1.    Maintain knowledge and conform to the requirements of the program funding sources, including Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Weatherization and Community Service Policy manuals (program eligibility, operational and reporting requirements).
2.    Assist with completing initial voucher paperwork and ensuring that applicants have all the needed documents to submit with their application. Follow up with households as required. 
3.    Assist with housing search and landlord engagement specifically related to the voucher program and these participants, including completing housing applications to potential landlords
4.    Seek assistance with financial needs that may arise for lease up (application fees, security deposits, funding for birth certificates or ID’s, completing SER’s,  etc…)
5.    Coordinate with the Housing Agent on recertification needs for current voucher tenants.
6.    Assist current voucher tenants with any landlord tenant issues that may occur.
7.    Participate in Coordinated Entry and shelter diversion 
8.    Enter any required data into HMIS and report on this data as required.
9.    Ability to accurately complete and submit program related reports.
10.    Provide oversight for client eligibility determination and maintenance of agency files, including required documents to certify client eligibility.
11.    Develop and implement service plan for program participants.
12.    Assist program participants in completing all relevant paperwork.
13.    Maintain knowledge of community resources and procedures for accessing resources.
14.    Keep updated records in client tracking databases.
15.    Develop collaborative relationships across the county in housing programs.
16.    Conduct the day-to-day activity of the housing programs to ensure goals and objectives are met including outreach to other homeless providers. 
17.    Provide back-up for Community Services as needed.
18.    Provide one-on-one credit counseling as needed.
19.    Plan and facilitate classes for financial stability, homebuyer education, rent for success, and other classes as required.
20.    Maintain regular one-one-one interaction with clients as an accountability partner and check in on their goals.
21.    Provide foreclosure counseling and/or rental counseling.
22.    Help families/individuals open Individual Development Accounts (IDA’s).

23.    Perform all other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

1.    Education: Accredited bachelor’s degree in human services or related field suggested but not required.
2.    Training: Attend MSHDA, community development, HUD and/or other training as required for the position. Attend HMIS training and keep credentials active annually. 
3.    Certifications: Must obtain the necessary and relevant HUD program certifications.
4.    Work Experience: One to two years’ experience in administration of housing programs and working with multi-problem families.  Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for the position may be considered at the discretion of the CEO.
5.    Transportation: Must possess reliable transportation to make home visits, attend training, travel between county offices, etc.
6.    Basic Skills: Must possess excellent written and oral skills, including public speaking. Must be able to demonstrate computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and database usage.
7.    Physical and Mental Capabilities: Must be able to work with clients one on one.  High level of mental concentration is required.
8.    Problem Solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to establish a natural rapport and be sensitive to the needs of varying socio-economic groups is required.  Ability to plan, develop and administer multiple programs and funding sources.  

Promote teamwork and participate as a team member with other agency staff and as part of interagency teams.
9.    Schedule: Be flexible with schedule. Will be required to work some evenings and/or weekends throughout the year.