Housing Counselor

The Jacksonville Housing Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is the policy and the intent of the Jacksonville Housing Authority to provide equality of opportunity in employment for all persons, and in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs, practices, operations, and in all its working conditions and relationships with employees and applicants for employment. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected class status applicable under local, State of Florida or federal law.

POSITION

Job Title: Housing Counselor

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

EEO Classification: Administrative Support

Salary Grade $15.00

Reports to: HCV Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Summary

Conducts initial assessment of individuals interested in Section 8 housing, Project Based Housing, Moderate Rehab, and other programs under the Jacksonville Housing Authority. Conducts annual re-certifications in accordance with established procedures. Enters information in computer and processes all paperwork, which includes verifying income and other data in accordance with established procedures. Maintains files and records for all clients in each caseload. Receives information from residents, verifies documents, and makes interim adjustments based on the information submitted. Schedules appointments for annual re-examinations, generates appointment letters and conducts interviews. Takes appropriate actions based on information received.

Essential Job Functions

A. Conducts initial assessment, interim adjustments and re-examination reviews regarding program eligibility and takes appropriate actions in accordance with established procedures and HUD regulations

• Interviews applicants to determine eligibility or continued eligibility for housing.
• Obtains income and other required verification.
• Conducts background screening, as needed.
• Explains procedures for locating housing and provides listings showing available units.

B. Facilitates leasing of property

• Makes offers of housing to applicants in accordance with established procedures and regulations or provides clients with listings when requested.
• Conducts orientations or briefing sessions in order to familiarize clients with the different programs.
• Generates weekly reports based on the caseload.
• Performs rental subsidy calculations.
• Orders inspections
• Engages in dialogue with Property Owners about the units.

c. Assist in the overall operation of department.

• Respond to oral and written inquiries and requests from clients.
• Does assist clientele in any capacity needed within the department, as needed.
• Schedules hearings and participates in hearings as needed.
• Inputs information in computer and updates information periodically, as an interim change
• Prepares departmental correspondence in accordance with established procedures using the computer.
• Attends all meetings as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education –Two years of experience in housing programs, case management, social services, public administration, business administration, sociology, psychology, tenant relations or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is principally sedentary.

No special physical demands are required. The work involves normal risks or discomforts associated with an office environment. The work area is usually adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Must be able to sit in an office environment, able to lift up to 15 lbs.

Other –Valid Florida Class “E” driver’s license is required at the time of placement and must be insurable by Jacksonville Housing Authority’s liability insurance and/or fleet insurance carrier.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and employment counseling
• Knowledge of HUD and organizational regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, arithmetic, and vocabulary
• Knowledge of basic office equipment, including computer, fax, telephone, copier, etc.
• Knowledge of commonly used computer software
• Knowledge of the principles of communication
• Knowledge of computer operation, hardware, and software
• Ability to counsel with low-income clients regarding employment and goals.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply HUD and organizational rules, policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to instruct individuals on the operation of computers and basic office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the residents,
• businesses, and other organizations
• Ability to interact with clients, businesses, and educational institutions in obtaining and
• providing information in a polite and efficient manner, both in person, and on the telephone
• Ability to use sound judgment in order to make decisions in accordance with established.
• procedures and guidelines
• Skilled in analyzing situations in order to identify problems and offer possible solutions.
• Skill in communicating orally with clients, businesses, and other organizations in order to obtain and provide information.

Core Competencies

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and work hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures vital information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listens effectively. Demonstrates clear understanding of Jobs Plus Program and ability to highlight goals and benefits to residents.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and does fair share of work.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; attends, supports, and participates in all team building exercises and events.

ADAPTABLE/FLEXIBLE SKILLS: Ability to work additional hours if required and work with pressing deadlines and is task oriented. Proactively seeks work assignments when current assignments are completed—takes initiative.

We anticipate hiring at the minimum of the respective pay grade per contractual obligations.

We are an EOE & DFWP. A successful applicant will be required to pass a background check including but not limited to employment history, criminal record and driving record, and may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening.

Section 3 and Veteran candidates preferred.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job classification. All incumbents may not perform all the job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform some duties which are not listed, and incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.