About this role
Housing Supports Advisor (Bilingual)
Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!
At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the regions people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.
Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Housing Supports Advisor in our Housing Education Services department. The Housing Supports Advisor provides enhanced housing stabilization, housing search, and housing retention services to households experiencing or at risk of housing instability. Acting in alignment with the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) Special Services Coordinator (SSC) model, the Advisor delivers individualized support, housing-focused action planning, light case management, community referrals, housing stabilization interventions, and housing search assistance designed to promote long-term housing stability and prevent homelessness.
Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Employee appreciation events (ice cream! staff picnic! more!)
Wage starts between $22.50 and $25.00 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume (cover letter appreciated but not required); applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI.
The candidate will work fully onsite. Occasional evening and weekend work may be requested.
Responsibilities include:
Conduct intake and comprehensive housing stability assessments and develop individualized housing-focused action plans that identify barriers, goals, referrals, and strategies to obtain or maintain stable housing
Provide individualized housing search assistance, including identifying market-rate, subsidized, and supportive housing opportunities; assist with housing applications, preparing clients for landlord engagement; support voucher holders and households utilizing housing assistance program
Support housing stabilization efforts through landlord and tenant communication, informal mediation, repayment agreement discussions, resource coordination, and referrals to legal and mediation resources
Conduct client follow-up as required and document housing stability outcomes, service interventions, referrals, progress toward goals, and identified needs in accordance with HCEC reporting and case management requirements
Conduct workshops that respond to current trends and needs, such as housing search and tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with housing authorities, landlords, legal services providers, mediation centers, social service agencies, housing courts, and behavioral health providers to facilitate effective referrals and coordinated client support. Maintain current knowledge of community resources and referral pathways
Complete applications as needed and assigned
Maintain complete and accurate client records; document assessments, action plans, referrals, service activities, housing outcomes, and required program reporting in case management system and other systems as identified and in accordance with HCEC standards
Facilitate warm referrals and coordinate services with housing, legal, financial, healthcare, behavioral health, employment, and community-based providers to support housing stability and tenancy preservation
Attend community meetings as assigned
Travel to provide services from multiple office locations and/or community-based settings within Western Massachusetts; conduct evening and/or weekend workshops in person or virtually as appropriate and necessary
Requirements include:
2 years' equivalent experience in housing, social services, or a related role; an Associate degree may substitute for some experience
Preference for experience conducting housing searches
Adept with Office 365 and database systems, with comfort learning new technologies
Case management and groupwork/triaging experience preferred
Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) required
Knowledgeable about Hampden and Hampshire County agencies that offer applicable services to low-and-moderate income (LMI) households
Ability and experience in developing and leading effective trainings
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work with various populations
Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention-to-detail, plus the ability to reprioritize
Ability to travel during the workday for meetings, as assigned and appropriate
Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.