What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Search Coordinator, HCEC position at SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL?
Summary: Responsibilities include assisting individuals and families in their housing search journey, by developing relationships with local landlords, researching available housing options and implementation of HCEC educational workshops.
Why Work for SMOC?
- Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
- Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
- 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
- Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
- Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide housing search assistance to client, including assistance and advocacy with the subsidy application process, as well as updated information on available housing in the area.
- Implement and conduct on-going workshops to train advocates, clients and SMOC staff on topics such as SMOC Introduction to Services and Financial Assistance, Affordable Housing, Fair Housing, Housing Search and Smart Tenant - Tenant/Landlord Rights.
- Attend outreach events, network with other providers, advocates and legislators to learn about resources and provide training to the team and to promote HCEC services.
- Work collaboratively with HCEC team and EFA Division to assess each family’s housing and supportive services needs to determine if short-term financial assistance can be accessed to rapidly re-house the family.
- Responsible for managing a caseload of 25-35 individuals and families while providing housing search support.
- Develop relationships with local landlords, create and maintain updated list of available units for rent; make referrals to financial assistance programs, when needed, such as RAFT, FEMA, Secure Jobs, etc.
- Conduct ongoing appointments with clients at SMOC office sites and/or virtual meetings.
- Attend Internal and external trainings to ensure SMOC has most recent housing information available to our clients.
- Coach clients on how to present themselves positively with landlords and property managers, connecting clients to various trainings and additional services offered by SMOC.
- Collect CMS and CSBG required data by completing an intake assessment on CMS portal for every client seeking assistance. Maintain accurate client records and enter all required data.
- Escalate priority cases to HCEC Intake Supervisor and Assessment Supervisor for further triaging.
- Link clients to SMOC components for additional services.
- Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
- Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
- Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
- Two years relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority, and disabled individuals preferred.
- Strong knowledge of landlord/tenant and homebuyer issues preferred.
- Knowledge of or strong interest in learning about community-based resources.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese are strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, database applications, PowerPoint presentations, Internet search and email.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required.
- Strong customer service skills and phone etiquette.
- Professional and courteous demeanor.
- Experience working in fast paced environment a plus.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle time sensitive tasks.
- Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation & meet insurance standards.
Organizational Relationship:
- Directly reports to HCEC Program Supervisor.
- Indirectly reports to HCEC Director.
- Direct reports of this position are n/a.
Physical Requirement: Ability to lift a maximum of 25 lbs.
Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Housing Search Coordinator will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
Hybrid Work Option: Hybrid work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Housing Search Coordinator position is eligible to work from home 20% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.
Monday through Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
35 Hours per week.
Salary : $21 - $22