Housing Counselor

Action for Boston Community Development•Malden, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Through our offices in Boston and Malden, ABCD's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department supports people in their search and works to prevent families from entering homelessness by providing housing counseling. We provide information to help people navigate the maze of paperwork and procedures that comes with subsidized housing. The Housing Counselor provides housing counseling services and Emergency Assistance for the City of Boston residents.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with up to 12 months of social services experience required.
Ability to possess Housing Counselor Certification or be willing to become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment is required
Strong written and oral communication skills.
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.
Bilingual skills in Spanish and Haitian Creole as needed.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Triage, assist and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
Provide, at minimum, biweekly outreach and support until housing is secured
Quarterly stabilization support for 12 months to ensure housing remains secure
Maintain a case load of up to 30 at risk households at one time and 15 stabilization cases.
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 referred Homelessness Prevention households within 2 business days.
Respond to Emergency Assistance referred cases.
Provide transportation to shelter/scattered site or hotel when needed
Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources.
Refers 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.
Participates in weekly case reviews.
Provides weekly and monthly reports.
Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems
Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.