Public Housing Counselor I

Ocala Housing Authority; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocala Housing Authority in Ocala, FL is hiring a Public Housing Counselor I to work on-site with residents and applicants. You will handle housing counseling, assist with applications and eligibility determinations, and explain program requirements.

Daily duties include intake, assessments, budgeting and foreclosure prevention guidance, maintaining case files, coordinating with staff and partners, and supporting outreach and educational workshops to promote housing stability.

Qualifications

• Certified Housing Counselor credential or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of HUD regulations, public housing, and Housing Choice Voucher guidelines.
• Experience in foreclosure prevention counseling and mortgage processes.
• Strong budgeting and financial counseling to help clients plan spending and stability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Meet with residents and applicants to provide housing counseling and guidance.
• Assist with applications, intake, and eligibility determinations.
• Explain program requirements, lease obligations, and rent calculations.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation for ongoing support.
• Coordinate with internal staff and external partners to resolve housing issues.
• Respond to inquiries, prepare routine reports, and support outreach.
• Contribute to educational workshops to promote housing stability.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Budgeting

Financial counseling

Case management

Record keeping

Office software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social services or counseling

Job description

Company Description

Ocala Housing Authority (OHA) provides affordable housing and supportive services to low-income individuals and families in Marion County. Through programs such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Housing Counseling, Family Self‑Sufficiency, Section 8 Homeownership, and other rental initiatives, OHA works to expand access to stable, safe housing. The organization partners with residents to promote financial independence, homeownership opportunities, and long‑term housing stability. Prospective team members join a mission‑driven agency focused on community impact and resident success.

Role Description

The Public Housing Counselor I is a full‑time, on‑site position located in Ocala, FL. This role supports residents and applicants by providing housing counseling, assisting with applications and eligibility determinations, and explaining program requirements and policies. The counselor helps individuals and families understand lease obligations, rent calculations, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case files and documentation. Daily responsibilities include meeting with clients, conducting intake and assessments, providing budgeting and foreclosure prevention guidance, and coordinating with internal staff and external partners to resolve housing‑related issues. The role also involves responding to inquiries, preparing routine reports, and supporting outreach and educational workshops to promote housing stability.

Qualifications

• Certified Housing Counselor credential or eligibility to obtain certification, and foundational knowledge of Housing Counseling practices.
• Experience with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, public housing, and Housing Choice Voucher program guidelines.
• Skills in foreclosure prevention counseling, understanding of mortgage processes, and ability to advise residents on preserving housing.
• Strong budgeting and financial counseling skills to help clients develop spending plans and improve financial stability.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations in a respectful, non‑discriminatory manner.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain accurate records, and use office software and databases effectively.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social services, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of local community resources and willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development.