Housing Counselor

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Housing Manager or the Special Programs Manager the Housing Counselor is responsible for qualifying clients for housing assistance including special programs. SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Housing Manager or the Special Programs Manager the Housing Counselor is responsible for qualifying clients for housing assistance including special programs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. Interviews participants for re-certifications, explains housing program obligations, verifies information on the re-examination/re-certification forms, and determines continued eligibility of participants. Calculates HAP amounts, tenant rents and utility reimbursements. Negotiates repayment agreements for approval by program. Issues Housing Choice Vouchers to applicants, families requesting to move or who require a smaller or larger unit. Responds to landlord inquiries and/or concerns about specific contracts or the program in general. Initiates termination of assistance of families for non-compliance or non-performance, or other grounds in conformance with established FWHS/program policy and procedures. Maintains participant and landlord files and documents historical record for each participant file. Completes annual re-certifications of participants in conformance with FWHS/program policy. Prepares and distributes incoming/outgoing mail and files necessary information into client’s files. Provides/performs data entry for all adjustments or changes to participant data. Conducts field interviews. Counsel’s participants and assists in resolution of problems between owners and participants. Performs clerical duties such as answering telephone, general typing, filing and mailing correspondence. Prepares monthly reports to advise supervisor of caseload status. Insures assigned caseload completed in a timely manner and balances caseload actions with rent. Researches, analyzes and documents programmatic issues or complaints, and applies proper action to the problem. Maintains records and statistics for tracking of program cost, successes. Updates and submits files prior to cut-off date to maintain caseload in a current condition Performs other related duties as assigned. SPECIAL PROGRAMS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Administer homeless programs through the Continuum of Care Housing. Facilitate program briefings. Attend collaborative meetings with partnering agencies. Outreach to chronic homeless. Maintain communication with case managers. May travel occasionally to participant’s homes. Performs other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in social science, Public Administration or related field, and two (2) years’ experience in position with a public agency, social service agency; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of grant funding, low-income housing tax credits, project and tenant-based vouchers, homeless programs and resources, and asset management a plus. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of general office, clerical and office management practices and procedures, business English, and basic arithmetic. Excellent oral and written skills. Good knowledge of FWHS policies, procedures and practices pertaining to Assisted Housing programs. Excellent research and analytical skills. Skill in operating general office machines, including computer equipment. Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. Ability to learn FWHS admissions and occupancy software. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions; communicate and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, landlord, applicants and participants. Ability to conduct resident assessments to ascertain information and make the appropriate referrals. Track and monitor resident participation. Provide case management to a minimum of twenty (20) clients. Communicate effectively, oral and written. Prepare required reports. Maintain effective working relationships with clients and providers. Basic principles of time, assessment and case management. Principles and practices of service programs including housing and welfare to work. Interviewing methods and techniques. Employment laws. OTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and have a clean driving record (fewer than 3 moving violations in the last 3-year period) and must maintain licensure and clean driving record for the duration of employment. Employee must be eligible for coverage under FWHS’s fleet auto insurance. Must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle record check. TECHNICAL SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual should have average abilities using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, able to gain proficiency quickly in Microsoft 365 programs, including Teams, and be capable of using internet resources for research and developing reports. Ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, operate a computer and other office equipment, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate in writing and verbally in person and via video conference, email and phone. While the work is primarily sedentary, walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items such as books, binders, files, and documents is required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. TELEWORK Following a probationary onboarding period, this position is eligible for teleworking, subject to the need for physical attendance as directed by the employee’s supervisor or required by the circumstances. #J-18808-Ljbffr