Homelessness Prevention Advisor

Homelessness Prevention Advisor

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s 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 and equitable 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.

Every day, our team helps people facing real challenges—with housing, jobs, personal finances, and other cornerstones of daily stability—to find real solutions. And we help communities and systems to grow in positive, strategic ways. We know that the right help at the right time can make all the difference; Way Finders provides transformative help to tens of thousands of people each year. Always with respect, always with compassion.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking full-time Homelessness Prevention Advisors in our Emergency Financial Housing Assistance Program.

The candidate will work in a fully onsite.

Responsibilities include:

• Assess client needs and provide information, education, and referral on appropriate resources when necessary
• Determine eligibility for financial assistance under current available housing and rental assistance programs
• Process applications for financial assistance services run by HCEC in a timely manner; maintain complete and accurate case files, and ensure all required databases are up to date consistently
• Educate consumers about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities; rental assistance, homebuyer readiness information and available community resources
• Assist clients with housing search resources and tools, effective problem solving, and options planning in collaboration with department staff
• Assist tenants in the assessment and resolution of potential eviction actions.  Educate tenant on eviction processes, the housing court system as required, and referring complex cases to our Housing Resource Specialist
• Work collaboratively with the team to coordinate housing related resources and services
• Ensure timely and effective flow of communication between internal departments to ensure the delivery of quality services to the client
• Provide information and outreach to, and interact effectively with the social service network, client advocates, community organizations, the landlord community, housing authorities, and/ or court officials
• Assist the team with workshops for tenants and landlords
• Research and remain current on new and modified housing assistance programs, services, and their related regulations to ensure the accurate provision of guidance and assistance to clients.  Assist with maintaining and updating agency housing database
• Other relevant duties as needed

Requirements include:

• 2 years' equivalent experience in human/social services, or a related role; a combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills are highly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage changing priorities effectively
• Ability to travel to multiple locations as necessary

Benefits include:  Generous paid time-off | 12+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options | 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 | Annual staff picnic!

Wage between $17.48 and $21.85 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.