Housing Counselor

Action for Boston Community Development; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) seeks a Housing Counselor to support Boston residents through counseling, emergency assistance, and housing resources. The role operates from Malden and serves clients within the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department.

You will conduct intake, provide outreach, refer clients to services, manage a caseload, and document outcomes to ensure secure housing and program success. Strong communication and bilingual abilities bolster service delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with up to 12 months of social services experience.
• Housing Counselor Certification or willingness to become certified within 6 months of employment is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish and Haitian Creole as needed.

Responsibilities

• Triage, assist and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
• Provide, at minimum, biweekly outreach and support until housing is secured
• Quarterly stabilization support for 12 months to ensure housing remains secure
• Maintain a case load of up to 30 at risk households at one time and 15 stabilization cases.
• Conduct intake & assessments on clients referred and or walking into the housing department.
• Complete all necessary steps to assist emergency cases in securing shelter
• Respond to referred Homelessness Prevention households within 2 business days.
• Respond to Emergency Assistance referred cases.
• Provide transportation to shelter/scattered site or hotel when needed
• Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources.
• Refers clients to resources to help sustain housing i.e.: childcare, education, job-training, financial literacy, fuel assistance, weatherization, food, furniture, clothing, transportation, legal referrals, medical care, counseling, parenting skills and other services in their community which impact on their ability to obtain or maintain permanent housing.
• Participates in weekly case reviews.
• Provides weekly and monthly reports.
• Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual Spanish & Haitian Creole

Cultural sensitivity

Evening flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Housing Counselor Certification (within 6 months)

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Housing Counselor

Department: Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Malden - Commercial Street

Compensation: $52,088 / year

Description

Through our offices in Boston and Malden, ABCD's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department supports people in their search and works to prevent families from entering homelessness by providing housing counseling. We provide information to help people navigate the maze of paperwork and procedures that comes with subsidized housing. The Housing Counselor provides housing counseling services and Emergency Assistance for the City of Boston residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Triage, assist and provide housing related information, guidance and referrals.
• Provide, at minimum, biweekly outreach and support until housing is secured
• Quarterly stabilization support for 12 months to ensure housing remains secure
• Maintain a case load of up to 30 at risk households at one time and 15 stabilization cases.
• Conduct intake & assessments on clients referred and or walking into the housing department.
• Complete all necessary steps to assist emergency cases in securing shelter
• Respond to referred Homelessness Prevention households within 2 business days.
• Respond to Emergency Assistance referred cases.
• Provide transportation to shelter/scattered site or hotel when needed
• Assist clients with the application process, obtaining housing and other housing resources.
• Refers clients to resources to help sustain housing i.e.: childcare, education, job-training, financial literacy, fuel assistance, weatherization, food, furniture, clothing, transportation, legal referrals, medical care, counseling, parenting skills and other services in their community which impact on their ability to obtain or maintain permanent housing.
• Participates in weekly case reviews.
• Provides weekly and monthly reports.
• Ensure accurate input in all relevant and required data systems
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with up to 12 months of social services experience required.
• Ability to possess Housing Counselor Certification or be willing to become Housing Counseling certified within 6 months of employment is required
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments and have the flexibility to work some evenings if necessary.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish and Haitian Creole as needed.

Expected Salary
$52,088.40. Salary scales are set according to an explicit compensation policy and relevant market data. Due to funding restrictions and our strong focus on internal parity, this salary is thoughtfully aligned with the duties expected for this role, and offers are firm.

Why Work Here

• Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
• Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
• Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
• A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
• Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.