Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator

Housing Pierce County; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HPC Benefits Package

Job summary

Housing Pierce County in Puyallup, WA seeks a Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator to coach families toward economic independence, enroll participants, and coordinate services within the FSS program. The position emphasizes needs assessment, service planning, and progress monitoring under HUD guidelines.

The FSS Coordinator collaborates with community partners to provide training, education, and referrals, maintains records, and supports program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of job search strategies and interviewing.
• Experience with program oversight and client employment services not specified as a tool or skill.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and engage program participants for HPC’s FSS.
• Provide case management with needs assessment and service plan development.
• Coordinate escrow accounts and monitor monthly transactions.
• Maintain confidential participant files and required program reports.
• Collaborate with community partners to connect services and resources.
• Develop and monitor FSS Work Plans and periodic re-assessments.
• Ensure data accuracy and HUD compliance in program documentation.

Skills

Job search skills

Career counseling

Interpersonal communication

Budgeting knowledge

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB TITLE:Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator

REPORTS TO:Deputy Executive Director

RATE OF PAY: $32.00/hr.- $42.00/hr., DOE (up to the midpoint of pay range)

HPC Benefits Package

SHIFT/ SCHEDULE: Hourly/ Non-Exempt

Non-Union

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

The mission of Housing Pierce County (HPC) is to provide safe, decent, affordable housing and economic opportunity free from discrimination. HPC is a quasi-governmental agency created in 1978 by the Pierce County Council. Although the County Executive appoints and the Council approves HPC’s Board of Commissioners, HPC is not a part of the County Government. We operate as both a Public Housing Authority under contracts with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and a mission-driven business enterprise under our own purview with the mandate to expand access to affordable housing in Pierce County. The Board and staff strive to make meaningful, lasting differences in the lives of our participants and community we serve.

GENERAL DUTIES

The purpose of the Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) Program is to coach and mentor families receiving housing assistance to attain economic independence and reduce dependency on subsidies. The FSS Coordinator works to recruit, engage with, and assess potential program participants for program enrollment. Once enrolled, the FSS Coordinator will provide comprehensive services by advocating for, coordinating services, and motivating and coaching participants to set and accomplish self-identified goals that lead to a pathway of economic independence. This position will be located in Puyallup; however, time may be spent in other areas of the county. This is a grant funded, full-time position that serves participants of HPC’s subsidized housing programs.

The FSS Coordinator provides individual case management to program participants including needs assessment, identification of individualized goals, development of detailed service plans, linkage to appropriate services, coaching and ongoing monitoring of participant progress. Additionally, the FSS Coordinator works with community partners who lead classroom trainings that addresses employment readiness, financial literacy, self-empowerment, goal setting, and overall financial independence.

This position works with clients, employment service providers, employers, and community employment coalitions to prepare the client for successful entry or re-entry into appropriate employment. The FSS Coordinator will conduct activities linked to program evaluation and manage program demographic and outcome data. The successful candidate must be able to attend training and pass the Family Self-Sufficiency certification within one year of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Outreach/ Marketing

• Inform and recruit program participation currently in HPC’s Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.

Classroom Training

• Works collaboratively to develop an annual FSS training and education calendar that includes both core curriculum and special sessions developed in response to participant need and/or interest.
• Provides training in conjunction with community volunteers
• Develops, produces and distributes training materials

Client Services

• At program enrollment, conduct a comprehensive assessment and coach participants to identify and determine their goals that will lead them to increased economic independence via career pathway opportunities, skills training, and/or increased educational attainment.
• Motivate and support participant to achieve their goals by establishing and maintaining a positive relationship. Partner with participants to understand their evolving needs through coaching and motivational interviewing.
• Meet with participants at a minimum quarterly to discuss progress on goals and/or goal accomplishments. Assist participants to create action steps and plans that will help them achieve their goals.
• Use data tracking software/systems to input participant data on a regular basis. Review detailed participant data from other sources for accuracy and continued eligibility for program based on established agency and HUD guidelines and policies. Verify accuracy of data on a regular basis.
• Complete all required program reports, documents and paperwork and maintain participant files throughout program participation.
• Partner with colleagues and other community resources to ensure participants access and receive career and education services that meet their needs. Ensure that participants have access to financial education/literacy/empowerment/coaching programs that will help them acquire the knowledge and skills to make informed and effective decisions that help them reach their goals and achieve self-sufficiency and financial stability
• Develop strong working relationships and collaborate with community partners to access resources for participants. Provide information and connect participants to programs and services that will help participants achieve their goals.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, work plans, performance measures, and continuous improvement of service delivery to assist in attaining the program initiatives and goals, agency core strategies, and mission.
• Coordinates escrow account payments and withdrawals with the approval of the Deputy Executive Director.
• Develops and monitors individual FSS Work Plans with program participants, including periodic re-assessments of supportive service requirements.
• Maintains regular contact with Section 8 Housing Specialists to appraise them of client progress and to assist in the coordination of services.
• Makes social service referrals to participating households whose situations require extra forms of assistance outside the program support detailed in the individual FSS Work Plan.
• Develops and implements a Section 8 Homeownership Program in conjunction with the FSS Program which may include the 8(y) and 5(y) programs as funding is available.
• The ability to provide basic financial education including assisting participants with creating a budget and credit repair.
• The ability to coach participants to leverage their education, skills, past experiences, and interest to successfully retain or broaden their career opportunities.

Other

• Develops and maintains confidential record-keeping systems for the FSS Program.
• Reviews client files, calculates escrow, and monitors monthly escrow transactions.
• Maintains complete and correct program files and records.
• Develops reports as required for HPC, HUD and other funding entities.
• Ensures grant maintenance as required by HUD and other funders.
• Drive and safely operate a motor vehicle to travel for job related duties and to attend meetings and client engagements.
• Promptly completes incident reports within 24 hours of becoming aware of them in accordance with HPC policy.
• Document all work according to HPC process.
• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance to support daily operations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• NOTE: The primary job duties noted above are not exhaustive and other job duties may be added as necessary to serve Housing Pierce County and ensure successful business operations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• A thorough understanding of:

• Job search skills (e.g., developing a job search strategy, writing resumes and preparing for interviews)
• Possible barriers and risks to an individual’s rehabilitation (e.g., financial, learning disabilities and transportation issues)
• Labor market information and occupational trends (e.g., national, local and hidden job market)
• Special hiring authorities, tax credits and special employer incentives
• Principles and methods for showing, promoting and selling services (e.g., marketing strategy and tactics, program demonstration and sales techniques)
• Job development and placement strategies
• Federal and state rehabilitation laws, rules, regulations and guidelines
• Support services and resources within the community (e.g., Veteran Service Organizations, colleges or universities and mental health services)
• Occupational Tools (e.g., Occupational information Network (O*NET), Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH))

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of case management provision, including interviewing, service plan development, service coordination, and monitoring.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of FSS, Housing Choice Voucher Program, and Public Housing regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of budgeting and credit repair
• Knowledge of local social service resources
• Experience in classroom teaching and presentation of information to groups and organizations.
• Strong customer service orientation
• Sensitivity to the needs of HPC clients who are homeless, low income, limited English speaking or impacted by domestic violence, substance abuse, or other barriers to employment
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Satisfactory completion of Family Self-Sufficiency certification within one year of hire.
• Creativity in problem solving, decision making and negotiating solutions
• Prioritizing and organizing workload and managing time to meet deadlines
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel independently to multiple sites in Pierce County.

• Must demonstrate high degree of integrity, ethics, and respect for others.
• Align with the mission, vision, and values of HPC with a focus on serving the public.

• Work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse racial, cultural, gender-identities, physical and mental abilities, limited-English, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information in a confidential and professional manner.
• Understand and execute oral and written instructions and policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 for daily communication, document creation, and team collaboration.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of the following minimum education and experience:

• EDUCATION:Associate or Bachelor’s Degree, with major course work in liberal arts, social services, business administration or related filed.

• EXPERIENCE: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible public housing or nonprofit social service program oversight experience.
• While these requirements are the traditional standards for developing the skills required for this classification, any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the classification may be considered.
• LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid State Driver’s License and maintain an acceptable driving record. Proof of current liability insurance is required. Provide authorization for a criminal record background check once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office and housing site environment. The incumbent will use standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, copiers, and related equipment.
• WORK SCHEDULE: Keep office hours sufficient to serve the public and manage staff; some weekends and holidays if the need arises.
• PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
• Sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Ability to read and comprehend various data both on paper and computer screen.
• Ability to effectively exchange information and make presentations.
• Ability to conduct site visits.
• Bending at the waist to retrieve materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport material up to 25 pounds
• ADA reasonable accommodation requests will be granted full consideration.
• HAZARDS: Contact with dissatisfied, rude, or frustrated individuals
• REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:HPC provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the terms of applicable federal and state laws and in accordance with HPC’s employment policies. Please contact the Human Resource Manager, Ney Calhoun at [e-mail] or 253-339-1842 with any requests or questions regarding reasonable accommodations.

BENEFITS

In addition to your base wage, HPC provides generous benefits which includes the following:

• Holidays – twelve (12) paid holidays immediately and three (3) additional floating holidays after completion of your introductory first year.
• Health insurance – 100% premium coverage for employee and entire family if Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) chosen; if another plan is chosen HPC still pays 100% of employee premium and the UMP premium equivalent for family and then employee pays the difference.
• Starting from the first day of employment personal time off includes vacation leave use and accrual at the rate of 3.07 hours per pay period increasing with longevity, as well as sick leave use and accrual at the rate of 4.0 hours per pay period.
• HPCprovides, at its own expense for each full-time employee, group-term life insurance equal to the employee’s annual base salary.
• Participation in Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• Should you elect to participate in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), after the completion of your introductory first year, HPC will match your contribution to a maximum of 6% of your annual base salary (not to include overtime or bonus payments).

Please note, HPC does not participate in Social Security, so no funds will be paid to that federal system by HPC or yourself.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Housing Pierce County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected classes in local, state, or federal employment laws.