Community Resources Coordinator (Perm/FT/Benefits)

Job Description Summary:

The Community Resources Coordinator (Housing) is responsible for providing outreach, engagement, and advocacy for individuals and families who are referred for assistance and support in seeking housing. The Community Resources Coordinator (Housing) is a professional whose primary duties include securing affordable housing, determining eligibility, identifying housing opportunities for applicants, and referring necessary resources.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $47,980.00-$129,813.00

BUDGETED SALARY: $47,980.00-$55,000.00

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

• Provide guidance to citizens on housing-related issues.
• Respond to referrals of new clients in a timely manner, including completing intake forms and assessment of the client's needs and preferences.
• Maintain client files and keep detailed/organized case notes.
• Be available to respond to questions via phone, email, and/or in the office from clients and authorized service providers/family members, both scheduled and walk-in requests.
• Identify and present housing options to clients and their support networks by assessing location, size, and affordability needs; guide clients through housing applications and waitlist processes for affordable housing, rental properties, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program; and educate clients on housing searches, tenant rights and responsibilities, lease agreements, program rules, and positive tenancy practices.
• Assist clients in requesting reasonable accommodations from lease requirements.
• Assist clients in qualifying for housing. This can require making community referrals for credit counseling/legal assistance, assembling letters of support, helping them apply for eligible financial assistance, and by utilizing third party assistance in paying rent.
• Assess each participant for additional supportive services and offer information from DSS, SSA, SNAP, WIC, energy assistance, etc. and any other necessary resources/programs needed to achieve sustainable housing.

• Help clients budget and plan for move-in expenses including the security deposit and first month's rent.
• Assist clients through appropriate referrals for legal interpretation of signing a lease agreement.
• Work with clients to develop stable rentals if they are in temporary and/or unstable housing. Ensure that clients maintain housing by responding to requests for assistance in lease renewals, lease violations, or re-certifications.
• Collaborate with caseworkers and clients to assess stabilization needs and develop a plan to best meet housing and stabilization goals.
• Outreach and facilitate ongoing relationship building with local landlords, property owners, managers, realty companies and tenants.
• Collaborate with colleagues and attend community outreach events.
• Conduct all business in accordance with agency policies and procedures, Fair Housing, HUD, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act and all other laws and regulations pertaining to private rental housing, public housing and supportive housing programs.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, maturity, and initiative.
• Knowledge of affordable housing/housing issues faced by people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of community resources, social services, and benefits.
• Active listening skills/commitment to fully understanding the client's point of view.
• Ability to communicate difficult and complex housing choices to clients who possess a range of listening and processing challenges.
• Ability to maintain a non-judgment, non-reactionary, and non-defensive communication style during challenging discussions. Must treat each individual with dignity and respect.
• Exceptional personal skills that permit the candidate to work with a diverse community and build collaborative relationships with a variety of community stakeholders.
• Critical thinking skills that enable the candidate to make sound judgments in developing and time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to responsibly prioritize competing tasks but also follow through in a timely manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Must be able to maintain program, client, and agency confidentiality.
• Ability to set appropriate personal limits and boundaries with clients with various issues.
• Ability to accept supervision and work cooperatively with other staff and community.
• Flexibility to deal effectively with a variety of people, situations, problems, and challenges.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in sociology or related field.

Equivalent education or experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

Two years of relevant experience in providing services to low-income individuals, providing case management, or housing services, or other relevant human service experience preferred.

LICENSE:

Possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Please be advised this position requires a valid driver's license. Your application will not be considered if you fail to include the full driver's license number on the electronic application.

SAFETY:
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.

COMPENSATION:
Other compensation may include but is not limited to:

• Overtime
  
• Compensatory time
  
• Shift Differentials
  

BENEFITS:

• Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:
  
• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
  
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
  
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
  
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
  
• Tuition Reimbursement
  

Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.