Housing Search Coordinator, HCEC

SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL•Framingham, MA

40d•$21 - $22•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Search Coordinator is responsible for assisting individuals and families in their housing search journey. This involves developing relationships with local landlords, researching available housing options, and implementing HCEC educational workshops. The role requires managing a caseload, providing housing search support, and linking clients to various services.

Requirements

Two years relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority, and disabled individuals preferred.
Strong knowledge of landlord/tenant and homebuyer issues preferred.
Knowledge of or strong interest in learning about community-based resources.
Strong oral and written communication skills in English; bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese are strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, database applications, PowerPoint presentations, Internet search and email.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required.
Strong customer service skills and phone etiquette.
Professional and courteous demeanor.
Experience working in fast paced environment a plus.
Ability to work under pressure and handle time sensitive tasks.
Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation & meet insurance standards.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese are strongly preferred.
Experience working in fast paced environment a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide housing search assistance to clients, including assistance and advocacy with the subsidy application process, as well as updated information on available housing in the area.
Implement and conduct on-going workshops to train advocates, clients and SMOC staff on topics such as SMOC Introduction to Services and Financial Assistance, Affordable Housing, Fair Housing, Housing Search and Smart Tenant - Tenant/Landlord Rights.
Attend outreach events, network with other providers, advocates and legislators to learn about resources and provide training to the team and to promote HCEC services.
Work collaboratively with HCEC team and EFA Division to assess each family’s housing and supportive services needs to determine if short-term financial assistance can be accessed to rapidly re-house the family.
Responsible for managing a caseload of 25-35 individuals and families while providing housing search support.
Develop relationships with local landlords, create and maintain updated list of available units for rent; make referrals to financial assistance programs, when needed, such as RAFT, FEMA, Secure Jobs, etc.
Conduct ongoing appointments with clients at SMOC office sites and/or virtual meetings.
Attend Internal and external trainings to ensure SMOC has most recent housing information available to our clients.
Coach clients on how to present themselves positively with landlords and property managers, connecting clients to various trainings and additional services offered by SMOC.
Collect CMS and CSBG required data by completing an intake assessment on CMS portal for every client seeking assistance. Maintain accurate client records and enter all required data.
Escalate priority cases to HCEC Intake Supervisor and Assessment Supervisor for further triaging.
Link clients to SMOC components for additional services.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Up to 3 weeks of vacation accrual in the first year for full-time employees.
2 weeks of sick time accrual in the first year for full-time employees.
12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D for full-time employees.
Employer-paid Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program.
Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage.
EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
Voluntary benefits including: Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Dependent Care Accounts.
Employee Assistance Program.
Tuition Reimbursement.