Provides motivational counseling to families regarding housing search methods and utilizing community resources. Refers families to available units.

Completes an assessment interview, to include family composition, children’s educational needs, proximity to employment and training opportunities, transit services, medical services, community/family caregiver support, shopping, etc.

Makes appropriate referrals for needed services to help remove barriers to a successful move (i.e. unit accessibility modifications, security deposits)

Assesses schooling needs of children in the family and attempts to refer families to housing in areas where needs are best met. Provides services to assist families as they look for housing, including facilitating transportation.

Provides appropriate referrals to families who encounter illegal discrimination or harassment.

Keeps required records of the counseling services provided and the referrals made for each family, and maintains those files according to established protocols.

Assures that individual and group briefings for FSS and Homeownership applicants are being held; determines eligibility.

Provide guidance to FSS clients who wish to pursue other housing options, Homeownership via the HCV Homeownership Program.

Develops relationships with local real estate professionals to expand opportunities for clients of FSS and Homeownership programs to have a knowledgeable industry to work with. Meets with lenders to market programs and solicit new business partners in understanding the HCV Homeownership program

Markets in-house services to professionals in contact with service target population. Markets/contacts new potential residents from service related referrals.

Mobilizes and/or displays community resources and literature in support of self-sufficiency activities, and maintains relationships with local advisory councils, advocacy and other interest groups.

Maintains and reports accurate monthly statistics for assisted tenants

Performs other related essential duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Sociology, or a related field; supplemented by one to two years relevant work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Physical Requirements

Valid Maryland driver’s license.

Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines including typewriter, calculator, copier, computer, telephone, fax machine, etc.

Ability to exert physical effort in sedentary to light work involving routine stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; tasks require visual perception and discrimination.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, and measure data. Ability to use an adding machine for basic operations

Ability to interpret and explain federal and agency policies, regulations and procedures.

Ability to comprehend a variety of reference books and manuals including HUD manuals, regulations, policy and procedure manuals, etc. Ability to prepare waiting list counts, memorandum, correspondence, and other job related documents using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.

Ability to use independent judgment, common sense, and principles of rational systems in the performance of tasks

Ability to maintain personal composure and tactfully handle difficult situations and interpret questions correctly; ability to behave in a friendly, understanding, helpful, and professional manner with clients/customers, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.

Ability to advise and interpret the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards.

Ability to communicate effectively with applicants/clients, immediate supervisor, coworkers, social services personnel, and the general public verbally and in writing

Ability to compile and organize reports.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally with program families, property owners, and the public, as appropriate. Ability to effectively write letters and reports, and to maintain documentation in required formats.

Ability to effectively manage competing tasks. Ability to effectively deliver group presentations.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work effectively in an office environment

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.