Housing Counselor

Tenderloin Housing Clinic•San Francisco, CA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Counselor will be responsible for safeguarding agency and tenant/client monies, receiving and recording rental payments, and preparing payment plans and housing retention plans. This role involves verifying program eligibility, processing intakes and withdrawals, and collaborating with inter-departmental staff and external agencies to ensure effective tenant services and increase housing retention. The counselor will also communicate with the Human Services Agency, conduct tasks related to rental payments, work with hotel staff/case managers, and advocate for tenants/clients. Additionally, they will provide referrals to other programs, attend rent roll meetings, update client information in the database, provide information to potential clients, mediate landlord-tenant disputes, and respond to communications in a timely manner. Maintaining confidentiality of client records and attending meetings are also key responsibilities. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Requirements

High School degree or equivalent required
Must have a minimum of 1 year of experience working directly with diverse, low-income, homeless and/or formerly homeless population
Must have the ability to refer clients to appropriate resources.
Must have an understanding of rent pro-ration.
Must have a basic understanding of the eviction process.
Must have the ability to perform basic math calculations with minimal mistakes.
Must have a thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Must have an ability to complete paperwork accurately and write business correspondence.
Must have demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Must have experience working within databases, and have excellent data entry skills.
Must have experience working with clients with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Must have an understanding of a Harm Reduction model.
Must have an ability to read, understand, and apply language from manuals, policies, technical procedures, and instructions.
Must have demonstrated customer service skills.
Must read, communicate orally, and write in English.
Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail.
Must pass all post-contingency offer background checks, reference checks, and TB screening clearances.
Demonstrates professional behavior that is consistent with THC’s Mission, Core Values, and Customer Service Philosophy.
Adapts well to change, and remains professional, respectful, and composed at all times.
Must be honest, dependable, and accountable.
Establishes and maintains effective and appropriate relationships and boundaries, and communicates with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and external parties in a manner that fosters respect and trust.
Exercises good judgment in using and/or keeping information regarding clients and co-workers, and adheres to THC’s confidentiality policy.
Works well independently, collaboratively, and as a team member.
Follows instructions completely and asks for help and/or guidance from supervisors when needed.
Has good time management skills and is punctual to work, THC meetings, and events.
Refrains from actions that may result in conflict or may be determined as aggressive, threatening, or violent.
Takes pride in work and performs all assigned duties diligently, efficiently, and effectively.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS degree strongly preferred
Experience with de-escalation skills strongly preferred
Experience working in non-profit or public sector strongly preferred
Bilingual abilities preferred
Knowledge of San Francisco resources preferred

Responsibilities

Safeguard agency and tenant/client monies and be accountable for check security policies.
Receive and record rental payments, disburse checks and rent receipts, and prepare Payment Plans and Housing Retention Plans in accordance with THC’s eviction prevention policy and in line with THC’s goal of increasing housing retention.
Verify eligibility for program(s) based on tenants’/clients’ individual circumstances and assessment of previous history with THC, and enroll tenants/clients in appropriate program(s) that meet their needs.
Welcome new tenants/clients warmly and process new tenant/client intakes and withdrawals in an efficient and client-supportive manner.
Collaborate regularly with inter-departmental THC staff to ensure effective tenant services and to increase housing retention and tenant stability.
Communicate effectively with the Human Services Agency (H.S.A.) in matters related to client referrals for housing and City and County Adult Assistance Program (C.A.A.P.) benefits.
Conduct tasks associated with Check Day and Quick Check processes during the Rental Payment Period in such a way that it is efficient and supportive to tenants/clients.
Work regularly with non-THC hotel staff/case managers, and various community agencies to ensure coordinated client care.
Advocate for tenants/clients with outside agencies and landlords with regard to rental issues and general tenant/client-related matters in an effort to help the tenants/clients increase stability and retain their housing.
Provide warm referrals to other programs for financial assistance, counseling, or other services based on the tenants’/clients’ individual needs.
Schedule and attend rent roll meetings at various sites, as assigned, with hotel staff/case managers to verify tenant/client information and rent balances in an effort to improve communication and housing retention.
Ensure information regarding a client’s housing situation and rent payments are updated in THC’s shared database in a timely manner, and all supporting documents are filed in client’s file, in accordance with THC policies and procedures.
Provide information and assistance to potential THC tenants/clients that are tailored to the clients’/tenants’ individual situation.
Help to mediate landlord-tenant disputes in an effort to increase clients’/tenants’ housing stability.
Respond to all phone messages, tenant/client requests, staff requests, and emails as appropriate and in a timely manner.
Maintain confidentiality of tenant/client records and concerns.
Attend all meetings as scheduled and participate in meetings as requested.