What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Services Counselor-Housing & Essential Needs position at Snohomish County?
Join our Human Services Team!
Description:
The Office of Housing and Community Services is hiring one full-time Community Services Counselor position to administer Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Rental Assistance. This employee will work in a supportive team environment to help Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) HEN program recipients who are experiencing homelessness to access rental support.
About You:
An ideal candidate for this position:
- Has experience working with low-income or homeless populations;
- Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, landlords, social service program staff, county staff, and the public;
- Has experience assisting clients with disabling conditions to access services;
- Can demonstrate a commitment to equitable systems and processes.
This is a hybrid position with a mix of work on-site, at community locations, and telework.
About Human Services:
Human Service Department mission is to help all person meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.
The Human Services Department includes 300 diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County.
Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.
To provide responsible service delivery to: homeless clients and/or those at risk of becoming homeless or other low-income persons.
- Interviews clients, reviews records and consults other professional sources in order to identify problems, assess client needs, gather information regarding eligibility for various programs and become acquainted with the clients.
- Assists clients in accessing needed services and/or programs available through community agencies; makes referrals as appropriate; monitors and measure' client progress.
- Provides guidance and emotional support to assist clients in understanding and overcoming barriers to housing; assists clients in resolving housing problems and crisis situations.
- Maintains contacts with area social and health service agencies to keep informed of services available and develop new resources; keeps informed about new developments and techniques in counseling, guidance, and housing.
- Maintains detailed case records; prepares required reports, forms, documents and grant requests; operates personal computer to record data, write reports, and prepare other written materials
- Responds to telephone and written requests for information from potential clients, government agencies, other county departments, human service providers, and the general public
- May serve as liaison between the County and program subcontractors, other affected agencies, and various community groups as required; coordinates program activities with other Human Services divisions and programs and with other agencies and groups as necessary.
- May manage computerized service data and reporting systems using databases and spreadsheets to generate reports and tracking program information as necessary.
- Performs related duties as required.
- housing homelessness and low income issues and resources
- functions and resources of social and health service agencies
- effectively interview clients, prepare action plans, determine courses of action and evaluate individual progress
- establish and maintain rapport with clients, guide them toward positive goals and communicate with them in both supportive and confront modes
- communicate effectively with people regardless of age, sex or social, economic, or cultural background including persons with social or behavioral issues
- respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations
- express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
- establish and maintain effective work relationships with social service system officials, community organizations and agency staff, associates, other county employees, and the public
- follow oral and written instructions
- maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports
- exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority
- read, interpret, and apply work related laws, rules, and other regulations
- operate a personal computer for data entry, word processing, and to develop job related materials
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice
Salary : $74,714 - $90,792
