What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Counselor position at Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.?
Department: Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Location: Malden - Commercial Street
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. Join us as a Housing Counselor in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our community. If you are passionate about community development, possess the required skills, and are dedicated to making a positive impact, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Triage, assist and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
- Maintain a case load of at least 20 clients a month whom need assistance with overcoming barriers to sustain or obtain housing.
- Maintain files of additional clients facing less barriers that are in need of assistance.
- Conduct intake & assessments on referred and walk-in clients.
- Be a point of contact for housing related inquires for: internal/ external departments, community agencies, groups, schools, hospitals and like social service entities.
- Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources.
- Conduct monthly housing information/search workshops.
- Participate in community training and outreach activities for ABCD neighborhood sites,
- hospitals, schools and community centers requesting housing search guidance and training.
- Support department outreach initiatives.
- Assist clients with housing search by providing applications and other resources.
- Maintain a central file for all housing search clients.
- Assists with submitting rental assistance requests for review and approval.
- Refer clients to resources to help sustain housing ie.: 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.
- Maintain s ongoing caseload spreadsheet.
- Participate in weekly case reviews.
- Provide weekly and monthly reports.
- Provide support to interns and volunteers.
- Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.
- A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent and up to 12 months of experience with thorough knowledge of housing/housing search, tenant's rights, housing subsidies and housing law required.
- A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
- Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Bilingual skill in Haitian Creole is highly preferred.
- Must possess Housing Counselor Certification or become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment.
- Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
- Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
- Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
- Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
- A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
- Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.
