Emergency Housing Counselor - OHS

Action for Boston Community Development•Boston, MA

59d•Onsite

About The Position

ABCD's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department, with offices in Boston and Malden, supports individuals in their housing search and works to prevent families from becoming homeless through housing counseling. The department provides information to help people navigate the complex paperwork and procedures associated with subsidized housing. The Emergency Housing Counselor specifically offers intensive case management and housing stabilization services to households in emergency situations, such as those displaced by community violence.

Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
Up to 12 months of experience is required.
Must possess a Housing Counselor Certification or be willing to become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Familiarity with housing/housing search, tenant’s rights, housing subsidies and housing law preferred.
Experience working with survivors of community violence preferred.
Experience working with individuals and families impacted by abuse and trauma.
Knowledge of trauma issues as they relate to victims/survivors of trauma and their children.
Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of up to 20 active households at a time providing weekly housing counseling services
Provide quarterly stabilization support for 12 months after their exit from the program.
Conduct intake & assessments on clients referred and or walking into the housing department.
Complete all necessary steps to assist emergency cases in securing shelter.
Respond to Emergency Assistance referred cases within 1 business day.
Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources.
Refer clients to resources to help sustain housing i.e.: childcare, education, job-training, financial literacy, fuel assistance, weatherization, food, furniture, clothing, transportation, legal referrals, medical care, counseling, parenting skills and other services in their community which impact on their ability to obtain or maintain permanent housing.
Participate in weekly case reviews and collaborative meetings.
Triage, assist, and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
Maintain a central file for all housing search clients
Provide court and benefit advocacy for households participating in the program
Attend apartment viewings and navigate the lease up process with residents, voucher holders, and subsidized tenants
Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems
Periodically represent ABCD in meetings or interactions with collaborators, community stakeholders, donors, and/or funders.
Attend and participate in regularly scheduled individual supervision, staff meetings, case review and residential service team meetings, ongoing professional development meetings and trainings, and other community events.
Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.