HOME, Inc., a non-profit agency specializing in housing counseling and education, is seeking a full-time Housing Counselor to work in our Des Moines office. The Housing Counselor provides individual counseling, information, referral, advocacy and supportive services to individual clients regarding housing and provides educational services to groups within the general public about housing-related issues.
Qualified candidates must have a BS/BA or AA/AS degree plus a minimum of one year of experience in the human services field and possess excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with people of all cultural and economic backgrounds, and enjoy phone work. Knowledge of housing programs is preferred, but not required. Salary starts at $39,000 per year. Additional compensation will be considered for candidates who have more than one year of experience or are bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.
HOME, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
Please review the Job Summary and Specifications below to determine if you meet the application qualifications and send your resume with cover letter, references and salary requirements to: admin@homeincdsm.org Please no e-mail or phone inquiries. Deadline for resumes is September 14, 2020.
Job Summary
Individual Client Counseling
- Provides information and referral, limited counseling, and other services upon request to persons in the general community by phone or in person.
- Provides extended counseling, advocacy, and other services to low-income families during which needs are assessed, goals determined, and strategies planned and implemented.
- Provide extended counseling and supportive services to families participating in the supportive housing programs.
- Conducts landlord/tenant mediation sessions.
- Maintains a working knowledge of state and local statutes which affect the housing community.
- Maintains a working knowledge of local public and private agencies which are available to assist persons with housing related problems.
- Gather, enter and maintain accurate information on clients and services provided in computerized data base. Submit written activity reports to supervisor upon request.
Individual & Public Education
- Works to inform landlords, tenants and homeowners on their respective rights and responsibilities.
- Conducts individual and group educational sessions.
- Functions as a resource person on housing conditions/issues on state and local levels.
Job Specifications
Education
Bachelors’ level or Associate degree with a minimum of one year of experience in the Human Services industry is required. Counseling experience is preferred.
Knowledge
Knowledge of counseling techniques and practices is required. Experience in working with low-income individuals and families is preferred. Knowledge of housing conditions, laws, ordinances helpful but not required.
Skills:
Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to relate and communicate well to persons of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ability to provide counseling and services to clients in person or on the phone.
Computer Skills:
Good working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications required.
Ability to enter accurate and timely information into a web based client management and data collection system.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel (typing). The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.