Housing Counselor and Financial Literacy Coach

Job DescriptionJob Description

SUMMARY

Performs social work, mobility case management and employment services for individuals and families served by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), a regional Community Action Agency. This position involves serving as a subject matter expert, a coach that will utilize the Whole Family Approach model, counseling and assessing the needs of individuals and families, coordinating the provision of needed services, and maintaining case records (paper and electronic). This position is responsible for cross-training with other agency programs and services to ensure that individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by providing services and connecting to various Service Provider Network programs and all local Departments of Social Services served by the HRCAP.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HOUSING COACH/COUNSELOR: include the following.

• Requires a designation as a HUD certified housing counselor. Must obtain within six months.

• Provide personalized counseling in areas such as reverse mortgage, foreclosure prevention, credit, budgeting, and delinquency.

• Teach and facilitate periodic First-time homeownership classes.

• Educate perspective borrowers in the home buying and financing process.

• Provide follow up support as necessary to alleviate homeowner default or tenant eviction.

• Ability to advise individuals about various loan products, credit reports, etc.

• Ability to read credit reports and discuss pathways to increasing credit score over time with a developed plan.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties within the scope of this position may be assigned.

• Manages intense caseload and coordinates internal and external services for assigned families. Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assess needs of households and determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients regularly, assigns clients to activities aligned with individual and household development plans.

• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using EmpowOR Client Management System.

• Establishes and monitors individual and household development plan goals through information and assessment of client background.

• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reason and need for assistance.

• Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.

• Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential Workforce Development Programs.

• Processes intake applications for necessary community resources and diversion.

• Coordinates and participates in out of office visits with family members and other professionals.

• Prepares referrals for families requiring assistance; collaborates with Service Provider Network and other agencies or professionals as needed.

• Maintains current listing community resources in empowOR.

• Prepares and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions with clients by entering data into empowOR Client Management System.

• Prepares and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client activity reports, service plans, assessment instruments, needs assessments, purchase orders, invoices, applications, funding reports, charts, or other documents.

• Operates several technology tools (desktop, laptop, tablet, cellphone, hotspot, etc.) to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections.

• Utilize MS Office, empowOR Client Management System, e-mail, internet, other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as replacing paper, ink, or toner.

• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members, companion aides, Newport News Human Services, government agencies, counselors, medical provides, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys, schools, Service Provider Network, professional colleagues, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate activities, review status of household plans, exchange information, or resolve problems.

• Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.

• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

• Cross trained to support agency operations as directed by the supervisor. May be responsible for performing other program duties as the agency receives new programs/grants.

• Performs other related duties as directed by the supervisor.

• Represent the organization in professional, civic, and community groups as requested by the CEO.

SKILLS REQUIRED include the following. Other skills within the scope of this position may be assigned.

• Helps establish performance measures and monitors outputs and outcomes.

• Comprehensive understanding of data systems, including tracking, reporting, monitoring, customer satisfaction, and evaluation.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative and be an effective team member.

• High-level communication and interpersonal skills a must.

• Exceptional time management skills with ability to multitask; ability to work well under pressure, prioritize workload, and meet tight deadlines.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Comply with all Federal, State and Local regulatory standards and procedures.

Abide by all HRCAP’s Safety Policies, Rules and Regulations; maintain required trainings and certifications for the jobs and equipment to be used; and understand the potential safety hazards in the work area.

Ensure that applicable personal protective equipment is worn, in proper operating condition, and used for each job performed.

INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY

 

This position will have access to confidential information and is required to be familiar with the HRCAP’s Privacy Policy related to the handling of data and using encryption software to ensure data is secured at all times. Any data breaches are to be reported immediately to the Chief Operating Officer.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

 

1. Associate's degree in social work, sociology, human services, psychology, or closely related field or four years of documented professional experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

1. At least six months of documented experience with program eligibility evaluation and determination. TANF and AMI experience preferred.

• Ability to use multiple software systems to include but not limited to: Office 365, Adobe, Asana, Zoom, Teams.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license with applicable insurance to be provided when renewal occurs.

• Criminal record check, driving record and credit report may be required for employment

• Adept at networking, building relationships, and community engagement

• Ability to work across the organization to deliver solutions that meet internal and external objectives

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current state driver’s license, proof of current auto insurance coverage, satisfactory driving record and working vehicle required.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lifting up to 30-50 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as

dockets, ledgers, and files. Walking and standing are required only occasionally

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

There may be some unusual work environment characteristics associated with performing the essential functions of this position in the delivery of services to customers of the agency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General office environment with some exposure to extreme atmospheric conditions (temperature, noise, fumes, dust, etc.)

 

Company DescriptionHampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) is a nonprofit community action agency that has been serving residents of southeastern Virginia for over 50 years. As an award-winning organization, we have been a pivotal contributor to the economic stability of individuals, families and the community here in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) is a regional organization with a steadfast commitment to improve the quality of life through programs in education, training, work experience, emergency services, housing counseling, and many other proven strategies. We have been at the forefront of attacking the root causes of poverty towards the goal of elimination. As a result, many families have broken the chains of poverty and are now equipped for successCompany DescriptionHampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) is a nonprofit community action agency that has been serving residents of southeastern Virginia for over 50 years. As an award-winning organization, we have been a pivotal contributor to the economic stability of individuals, families and the community here in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) is a regional organization with a steadfast commitment to improve the quality of life through programs in education, training, work experience, emergency services, housing counseling, and many other proven strategies. We have been at the forefront of attacking the root causes of poverty towards the goal of elimination. As a result, many families have broken the chains of poverty and are now equipped for success

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