What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Housing Facilitator position at Communities Unlimited, Inc.?
The Community Housing Facilitator engages families and communities in the COME HOME housing model through comprehensive Healthy Homes assessment, education, and technical assistance to help rural and persistent poverty communities and families create and access sustainable opportunity through healthy, safe, and affordable housing.
Education/Certification Requirements
Option A - A bachelor’s degree in political science, psychology or sociology, social work, public administration, or related field and 1-year of relevant experience in grant funded housing programs or housing development.
OR
Option B - A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in grant funded housing programs or housing development with documented experience in community organizing, community assessments, strategic planning, LIHTC projects, housing counseling, or homebuyer education.
HUD Healthy Homes Evaluator, Housing Counseling, or USDA 502 Loan Packager Certification preferred.
Other Requirements
- Candidates must reside in either Humphreys County or Coahoma County.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Complete computer literacy and effective keyboarding skills assessment.
Must maintain a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, reliable personal vehicle and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage.
- Must be able to show proof of authorization to work in the USA.
Experience/Skills Requirements
- Effectively communicate in both written and verbal formats
- Deliver results in an environment with high degree of self-directed time management and project management
- Understand applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, particularly those related to housing development and fair housing.
- Employee must be able to work in close contact with small and large groups
- Must be able to pass USDA 502 Loan Packager Exam within 12 months from hire date
Summary of Essential Job Duties
- Responsible for delivery of COME HOME healthy homes services in multiple rural and persistent poverty communities within assigned service area.
- Provide technical assistance and education for participants of CU’s COME HOME Healthy Homes initiative to build local capacity and understanding of the Eight Healthy Homes Principles.
- Provide education and resources to homeowners and community members to increase awareness and understanding of the Eight Healthy Homes Principles.
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Assist low-income, rural families through completion of the following:
- Healthy Homes Housing Assessments designed by the HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes for enrolled households
- Individual Preservation Plans for enrolled households
- Packaging of USDA 502 and 504 Direct Loan Applications
- One-on-one housing counseling
- Pre- and post-purchase homebuyer group education events
- Referral to housing assistance and financing resources
- Facilitate comprehensive Healthy Homes Assessments.
- Create individual housing preservation plans that assist clients in establishing a detailed housing repair and maintenance strategy with project details and SMART and actionable goals.
- Coordinate with homeowners, contractors, vendors, and other repair professionals in the completion of health and safety repair projects.
- Monitor healthy homes repair projects for quality and completion.
- Monitor and document individuals’, families’, and households’ progress toward housing goals established in Housing Assessments, Individual Preservation Plans, and housing counseling action plans for documentation, grant reporting, educational and referral purposes.
- Collaborate with communities, community partners, and across CU programs to develop a portfolio of resources for rural communities engaged by the COME HOME program with the purpose of reaching strategic housing goals and supporting housing preservation and development.
- Market CU CDFI and Housing products and other CU programs and departments through community engagement events, one-on-one meetings with community members, leadership, and stakeholders, and distribution of marketing materials.
- Assist applicants to CU CDFI and Housing products and other housing resources with the completion and submission of applications.
- Travel within a multi-county region and occasionally between states to meet with clients and provide necessary housing education, counseling, assessment and planning onsite.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners through one on one and community engagement events.
- Have knowledge of and follow the most recent fair housing requirements and guidelines as required by federal law.
- Carry out additional duties as assigned.
Tools Used in Job
Proficient use of a computer, internet, smart phone (texting, email, photos, videos, social media, and calls), web-based databases for data-entry, Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required. The use of additional software for project-related activities may be required, and training will be provided.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
EOE