Position Summary
Works under the general supervision of the CSBG Manager B. The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) - Eviction Prevention Program aims to empower tenants and landlords to make sound decisions concerning their housing needs and help prevent homelessness. The Homeless Counselor works to assist those facing housing instability due to COVID-19 by screening and qualifying renters for eligibility, identifying and addressing the appropriate social service supports. The overall goal is to ensure customers are able to attain permanent, stable housing while promoting a culture of excellence for both internal and external customers.
Pay Grade: 44
Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education Minimum Qualifications
100.00% - 1. Four (4) years of experience in an administrative capacity performing counseling, interviewing, or other related duties; AND
2. High school diploma or possess a GED; OR
3. Bachelor"s Degree in a social services field such as psychology, social work, criminology, or liberal arts; OR
3. An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
4. PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED Duties and Responsibilities
1. Follows CSA and Shelby County Government policies and procedures.
2. Serves as the lead contact in addressing eviction prevention inquiries for assistance, ensuring each interface with customers is professional, of high quality and customer focused.
3. Assesses, screens, and tracks customer needs and provides information, education, and referral on appropriate resources.
4. Determines eligibility after collecting all pertinent documentation for financial assistance under available housing and rental assistance programs.
5. Establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with all local assistance programs and social service organization for referral purposes.
6. Assists customers and the CSBG team in housing search, effective problem solving, and options planning.
7. Develops and sustains relationships with viable landlords willing to create lease agreements with customers.
8. Tracks service outcomes to determine longevity of housing stability.
9. Maintains communication with referring agencies regarding customer progress, approval, or denial.
10. Ensures timely and effective flow of communication between internal departments to ensure the delivery of quality services to the customer.
11. Ensures all appropriate eligibility documentation is collected and scanned/uploaded into the THO database. Ensures all notes are inputted into the THO database timely.
12. Utilizes MLGW Citrix and DHS ACCENT Application Programs and consistently follows privacy rules and regulations regarding customer information.
13. Conducts self-audits to ensure work submitted meets program guidelines.
14. Resolves customer complaints, both internally and externally, by way of program/department policies and procedures.
15. Participates in program outreach activities.
16. Attends meeting and training sessions as required.
17. Performs other duties as required or directed. KSA's
KSAs - 1. Must have proven skills/background in efficiently working with individuals experiencing homelessness and be committed to assisting the customers with attaining and maintaining permanent housing.
2. Ability to utilize active listening and problem solving while navigating high volume inquiries of varying levels of need and qualifiers.
3. Ability to apply critical thinking and active listening skills to each case.
4. Ability to establish and maintain meaningful rapport with customer.
5. Ability to gather and interpret case histories.
6. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
7. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
8. Ability to be flexible in approach to helping customer base. Special Requirements
1. Must possess a valid Tennessee driver license or secure one by date of employment.
2. Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet county requirements for automobile insurance upon date of employment. Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.