What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Counselor - Foster Youth to Independence position at Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.?
Department: Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Location: Downtown Boston - Chauncy Street
Compensation: $43,625 / year
Through our offices in Boston and Malden, ABCD's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department supports people in their search and works to prevent families from entering homelessness by providing housing counseling. We provide information to help people navigate the maze of paperwork and procedures that comes with subsidized housing. Join us as a Housing Counselor in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our community. If you are passionate about community development, possess the required skills, and are dedicated to making a positive impact, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Triage, assist and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
- Maintain a case load of clients needing assistance with sustaining or obtaining housing.
Conduct intake & assessments on clients referred or walking into the housing department. - Act as a point of contact for housing related inquires for: internal/ external departments, community agencies, groups, schools, hospitals and like social service entities.
Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources. - Oversee a monthly housing information/search group.
- Schedule community training and outreach activities for ABCD neighborhood sites, hospitals, schools and community centers requesting housing search guidance and training.
- Assist clients with housing search by providing applications and other resources.
- Maintain a central file for all housing search clients.
- Process rental assistance requests for review and approval.
- Refer clients to resources to help sustain housing i.e.: childcare, education, job-training, financial literacy, fuel assistance, weatherization, food, furniture, clothing, transportation, legal referrals, medical care, counseling, parenting skills and other services in their community which impact on their ability to obtain or maintain permanent housing.
- Participate in weekly case reviews.
- Provide weekly and monthly reports.
- Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems.
- Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with up to 12 months of social services experience required.
- Ability to possess Housing Counselor Certification or be willing to become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Bilingual skills as needed.
- Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
- Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
- Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
- Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
- A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
- Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.
Salary : $43,625