Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor

Join the Housing Solutions for the SW team as the Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor. $21- $25/hr. plus benefits. 

Job Description: Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor

Position type: Non-exempt, Full time Salary range: $21-$30/hr. DOE (Eligible for Benefits) Location: In-Office – Housing Solutions for the Southwest, not remote Mission and Vision Statement/History Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a not-for-profit housing agency serving Southwest Colorado. Originally incorporated in 1981 as a community action agency, Housing Solutions currently focuses on housing needs as the cost of housing has exponentially outpaced the average wage in the region. The mission of Housing Solutions is “to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado.”

Position Summary: The Housing Solutions Homeless Prevention Team is developing a more comprehensive system of resources, including counseling and financial assistance, for individuals and families, particularly local employees who are experiencing housing and financial instability. As part of the Homeless Prevention team, the Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor provides one on one housing and basic budgeting counseling. The goal of the counseling is to address underlying issues contributing to housing and financial instability including health and behavioral health, education, and employment. The Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor will provide basic budget management, and connection to community resources. The participant, together with the Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor, develop a housing stability plan. The Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor is also responsible for managing the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition (CEAC) program. The CEAC Program is a community funded initiative that provides one-time emergency financial assistance and resource navigation to households experiencing an acute financial crisis in La Plata and San Juan Counties. Reports to the Programs Director.

Essential Job Functions: CEAC responsibilities: Screens applicants for program eligibility. Provides one on one counseling in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling regulations and CEAC program criteria. Explores resources tailored to each client’s unique circumstances to support financial stability. Reviews financial resources and household expenses to assist the applicant to establish a sustainable monthly budget. Create a client action plan Facilitates weekly. CEAC meetings Prepares and distributes CEAC meeting notes and creates check requests for approved financial assistance. Works with Programs Director to coordinate annual CEAC board meeting Works with the Programs Director to develop CEAC program MOUs for partners. Maintains client records to ensure compliance with HUD Housing Counseling funding standards. Ensures quality data collection and enters data into the CAP60 database, Schedules follow-up meetings with clients in need of more comprehensive support

Other: Serves as the primary back-up for the Intake Coordinator, including covering the front desk role Assists Programs Director with grant applications and fundraising activities Collaborates with other community partners and Housing Solutions staff to address the needs of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness Engages in outreach efforts and represents Housing Solutions at community events as assigned

Skills and Qualifications: Financial literacy Understanding of Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and ability to assist people in high stress situations with empathy. Experience working with culturally and economically diverse groups Maintain clear, professional boundaries. Communicate effectively with program participants, colleagues, management, and partners Foster a positive and productive work environment. Proficiency in software applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook and the ability to learn new data entry programs quickly and independently. Effective organizational, record keeping and case note documentation skills. Excellent time management, independent judgement, self-direction, and multi-tasking skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience: BA or BS Degree and 1 year of experience in direct services in a human services. Will substitute, relevant years of experience and training, for degree HUD Housing Counselor Certification and experience preferred, candidates that are not certified will be considered but must obtain certification during first 3 months of employment Financial literacy coaching or training experience preferred Bi-lingual applicants (Spanish and English) preferred Valid Driver’s License How to apply: We encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.