Summary/Objective
Asset development (specifically homeownership) is central to FSS families' economic mobility. EOHLC has implemented a number of administrative and operational changes that support participants' efforts to reach this goal. Homeownership and asset development are critical community economic development strategies and serve to strengthen families and communities. The FSS Homeownership and Matched Savings Program track will be open to all EOHLC FSS-eligible voucher holders interested in focusing on homeownership, who are also committed to the HUD-required FSS goals of finding and maintaining employment, as well as being free of public assistance for 12 months prior to graduation.
The FSS Homeownership Counselor is responsible for the implementation of the FSS Homeownership Track in conjunction with the FSS Manager, including the recruitment and support of participants for the Savings Match for Homeownership Program (SMHP), and developing/supporting a cohort of participants working together towards shared goal of becoming homeowners.
Essential Functions
- Provide motivational counseling to participants who are interested in focusing on homeownership preparation while enrolled in FSS
- Schedule and conduct initial outreach and enrollment activities
- Develop participant FSS Contracts of Participation with all required SMHP activities and goals as well as other, non-Homeownership activities and goals participants identify for their participation in the program
- Coordinate or identify high quality and engaging workshops designed to inspire, support and educate future homebuyers in all aspects of preparing for homebuying and homeownership including but not limited to these required core workshops and others
- Legal Aspects of Homebuying
- Property Inspections
- Budgeting for Homeownership
- Understanding Mortgage choices (in addition to the One Mortgage lender meeting)
- Credit Repair and Credit Building
- Coordinate services to be provided and ensure that partnerships and resources are in place as needed
- Maintain relationships with One Mortgage Lenders and other eligible lenders to provide support to participants
- Communicate and coordinate with staff from multiple departments to achieve program goals
- Maintain required program records and documentation of progress
- Complete Required trainings:
- Nan McKay FSS Training (mandatory within the first three months)
- Nan McKay HCV Specialist Training (optional but recommended)
- Completion of HB 101 (mandatory within first two months)
- Maintain a thorough working knowledge of Section 8 regulations, especially as they pertain to Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, and implement best practices.
- Remain current with all funding source guidelines at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Interview and determine eligibility of applicants for FSS.
- Work with participants to set goals for financial self-sufficiency, and reevaluate goals periodically through the required ITSP. Monitor client needs and up-date case records.
- Maintain a database of participant goals and achievements. Provide accurate and timely reporting of EOHLC quarterly report and EOHLC annual report.
- Provide participants with one-to-one counseling/mentoring and quality case management.
- Maintain client files in accordance with program regulations.
- Maintain participant data in FSS tracking systems and TenMAST/Yardi.
- Refer participants to HAC’s financial literacy and other HCEC workshops.
- Work with program representatives and intake coordinator to recruit FSS participants from the Section 8 client base, and to resolve tenancy problems that could affect their participation in FSS.
- Ensure accurate completion of the 50058.
- Manage FSS caseload to meet EOHLC program goals.
Additional Duties
- Be an active member of the Leased Housing Department, including team meeting participation and other departmental functions.
Required Qualifications, Education, and Experience
- Commitment to, and experience working with, diverse and multi-cultural clients
- Counseling and assessment skills
- Familiarity with the region (e.g., transportation, school systems, amenities, services)
- Valid Massachusetts drivers' license
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proficiency in PC-based computer software
- Support for the FSS program's mission and goals
- Ability to work as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications, Education, and Experience
- 4-year degree in social work or public policy, or associate's degree with at least four years' experience in program implementation and participant coaching for homeownership and financial counseling
- 3 years' experience in social services/case management, with additional experience in homeownership counseling and financial coaching preferred
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
- Physical requirements:
- Occasional bending
- Frequent sitting
- Occasional fine motor control
- Constant repetitive motion
- Constant handwriting and typing
- Occasional visual perception
- Frequent hearing
- Frequent speaking
- Frequent visual inspection
- Mental requirements:
- Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions
- Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions
- Organize actions to complete sequential and/or routine tasks
- Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects
- Make decisions that have an impact on the individual’s work
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- Make decisions that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of clients
- Communicate and exchange routine/basic information
- Communicate and explain a variety of information
- Memorization/concentration
- Learning/knowledge retention
- Preparing/analyzing numerical figures
- Analyzing/examining/testing data
- Emotional/behavioral self regulation
- Interacting with others
Work Environment
- The functions of this role are conducted in an office environment.
Hours of Work
- This role is paid on an hourly basis.
- The hours of work for this position are typically Monday through Friday.
AAP/EEO Statement
The Housing Assistance Corporation (“HAC”) is committed to a firm policy in favor of equal employment opportunity and will abide by all applicable state and federal regulations by not discriminating against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or veteran status. Our commitment to equal employment opportunities shall include employment, upgrading, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves or other absences from work, layoff, compensation and benefits, selection for training or other education, professional opportunities and conflict resolution.
It is also the policy of HAC to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of their status as woman, minority or individuals with disabilities or protected veterans, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements.
Please inform us of any necessary accommodations required during the application process and/or at any time during employment.
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Other Duties*
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour