Resident Initiatives Coordinator

Formed in 2007, Advantix Development Corporation serves as the not-for-profit development instrument of the Evansville Housing Authority. Its mission is to own, operate, acquire and develop housing for low to moderate income families. Since 2007, Advantix has served as developer, and general contractor for both 4% and 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit development projects. Advantix works with local jurisdictions to develop several types of affordable housing in Indiana and surrounding areas. Currently, Advantix operates approximately 1000 units of affordable housing in Indiana. Providing quality affordable housing opportunities, improving the communities in which we work, and building strong local partnerships are the primary focuses of the Advantix Development Corporation.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this position is to provide a full range of informational, referral, and human services to resident associations and residents of a housing authority’s housing programs. The Resident Initiatives Coordinator acts as a liaison for the housing authority and its non-profit affiliate, in addition to providing resources for resident associations and residents in assisting them in the lifestyle adjustment process and achieving their full human and economic potential.

All activities must support EHA’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the overall organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Primary areas of responsibility and tasks that may typically be expected include but are not limited to:

• Serves as the primary contact for residents with housing concerns or issues; receives and processes resident, anonymous and non-resident (property specific) concerns.
• Performs as a liaison through written and oral correspondence with residents, owners and management agents and follows-up through completion and/or satisfactory resolution.
• Presents resident concerns to the attention of management and refers residents with problems or needs to internal or external resources who may appropriately respond to the latter.
• Schedules and conducts inspections of the living units to determine adequacy, proper maintenance, and residents state of well-being; also follows-up on any resident complaints presented in Board Meetings.
• Performs as a resource person to resident association and residents by conducting orientations, discussion sessions, and resident meetings as needed.
• Performs as community resource and activities coordinator within a housing authority in assisting resident associations and residents to enhance their skills in human relations and self-sufficiency.
• Establishes and maintains close rapport with local community organizations to remain current with programs offered within the community and to interest community resource organizations in participating in and sponsoring resident-oriented activities.
• Produces newsletters for the residents on a scheduled basis to keep them informed of scheduled events, resident related news, and available community programs.
• Prepares and submits resident relations reports to management on the status and progress of the program.
• Attends meetings as required to present program progress and new assignments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with sensitive topics and/or irate customers.

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority. Uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility.

Customer Service: Understands that all employees have external and/or internal customers that they provide services and information to; honors all the organization’s commitments to customers/residents by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable customer service.

Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; establishes rapport when working with others.

Teamwork: Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others.

Results Orientation: Consistently delivers required agency results; sets and achieves achievable, consistently complies with quality standards, and meets deadlines; maintains focus on Agency goals.

Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency to maintain the public’s trust.

Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Urban Studies or related field; or
• High School Diploma plus a minimum of three years recent, full time, experience delivering social services to the public may also be considered.
• Experience in interviewing people and processing confidential information.
• Possession of valid Indiana Driver’s License.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of the current principles and practices of human service resource administration and the nature of community organization.
• Knowledge of the social and emotional needs of residents in public housing and the experiences that are necessary to further their human relations and individual growth potentials.
• Knowledge of typical problems that confront residents in public housing/section 8 program and the community resources that are available to respond to such matters.
• Knowledge of individual/group behavior and methods used in effectively controlling and improving behavior.
• Ability to plan and organize a resident relations program for a housing authority.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with housing authority management, community organizations, residents, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively on a one-to-one basis and in group situations.
• Ability to understand resident needs and compassionate toward their problems.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively before groups and in public.
• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules relating to Public Housing programs
• Knowledge of community service providers and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to layout and design newsletters and other informational materials.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, time-management and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated prompt, regular work attendance.
• Ability to work under pressure and with interruptions.
• Ability to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds, race, and economic levels.
• Ability to respect privacy and confidentiality of clients and to solve problems.
• Ability to prioritize workload, to review information for completeness and accuracy.
• Ability to disseminate, discuss and discern information, to read maps and to analyze data.
• Ability to implement HUD required changes within generally tight timelines.
• Ability to deal effectively with verbally and aggressive people.
• Ability to investigate and refer cases of suspected program abuse or drug-related criminal activity.
• Ability to work effectively with limited supervision.

COMPUTER AND ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have average abilities using computer software such as MS Word, and Outlook and should be capable of using internet resources for research and developing reports. Proficient in operating and troubleshooting personal and laptop computers. Ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Operate motor vehicle in order to visit various sites and properties. Frequently move about the interior and exterior of assigned property. Work in a variety of conditions and locations including on ladders, rooftops, confined areas, underground spaces, etc. Lift and carry items weighing in excess of 50 pounds.