Emergency Housing Counselor - OHS

Department: Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Downtown Boston - Chauncy Street

Compensation: $60,388 / year

Description

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. The Emergency Housing Counselor provides intensive case management and housing stabilization services to a caseload of households in emergency situations, such as being displaced by community violence.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of up to 20 active households at a time providing weekly housing counseling services 
• Quarterly stabilization support for 12 months after their exit from the program.
• Conducts intake & assessments on clients referred and or walking into the housing department. 
• Complete all necessary steps to assist emergency cases in securing shelter.
• Respond to Emergency Assistance referred cases within 1 business day. 
• Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources. 
• Refers 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. 
• Participates in weekly case reviews and collaborative meetings.
• Triage, assist, and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
• Maintain a central file for all housing search clients
• Provide court and benefit advocacy for households participating in the program
• Attend apartment viewings and navigate the lease up process with residents, voucher holders, and subsidized tenants
• Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems 
• Periodically represent ABCD in meetings or interactions with collaborators, community stakeholders, donors, and/or funders.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled individual supervision, staff meetings, case review and residential service team meetings, ongoing professional development meetings and trainings, and other community events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and up to 12 months of experience is required. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.  
• Familiarity with housing/housing search, tenant’s rights, housing subsidies and housing law preferred.
  Experience working with survivors of community violence preferred.
• Experience working with individuals and families impacted by abuse and trauma. Knowledge of trauma issues as they relate to victims/survivors of trauma and their children.
• 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 Housing Counselor Certification or be willing to become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment.

Why Work Here

• 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.