Housing Counselor
Job Summary:
Bebashi-Transition to Hope seeks a compassionate and driven housing counselor to join our new program, which is dedicated to providing transitional housing and supportive services to people with HIV in Philadelphia. This role will focus on providing housing counseling, coordinating medical case management (MCM), and facilitating placement in subsidized rental units. The program aims to retain clients in HIV medical care to achieve viral suppression and secure permanent housing within 48 months, prioritizing those who are homeless or unstably housed.
Major Duties And Responsibilities
Housing Placement and Support
- Identify and secure affordable rental housing units for program participants.
- Conduct detailed inspections of housing units to ensure they meet program standards.
- Provide rental subsidies to participants facing financial burdens.
- Assist participants with moving expenses and securing necessary home supplies.
Building Landlord Partnerships
- Establish and nurture relationships with landlords and property managers.
- Educate landlords on the program’s guidelines and responsibilities.
- Advocate for participants to resolve housing issues.
Client Advocacy and Support
- Work with Housing MCM to help clients apply for and obtain permanent, affordable housing.
- Maintain and update comprehensive client files regularly.
- Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Program Coordination and Reporting
- Collaborate with the Housing MCM and other team members to provide holistic support to clients.
- Participate in Bebashi-Transition to Hope staff meetings and training sessions.
- Complete required monthly reports and progress notes accurately and on time.
Training and Development
- Participate in intensive coaching and counseling training in financial management and personal finance.
- Engage in Bebashi-Transition to Hope staff and supervisory meetings.
- Attend required training and staff development activities.
Administrative Duties
- Complete monthly reporting and progress notes as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience And Qualifications
- Education and Experience:
o Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, OR
o Three (3) or more years of experience in providing housing counseling and
services.
o Experience managing a caseload of 20 participants.
o Strong understanding of Housing First and trauma-informed care principles.
o Proficiency in using a Coordinated Entry platform for housing applications.
o Knowledge of housing inspection processes.
o Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, including different
gender orientations, and sexual, racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
o Knowledge of Philadelphia-specific housing, financial, and vocational resources.
o Thorough understanding of medical and psychosocial issues related to HIV
infection, homelessness, and poverty.
o Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
o Experience or willingness to develop competency in financial counseling.
o Bilingual in Spanish is a plus but not required.
Pay: From $80.00 per day
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
