Massachusetts Jobs

TURNERS FALLS The Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) serves the housing and community development needs of the twenty-six towns of Franklin County, Massachusetts. We work with residents to successfully access a wide variety of housing resources. We also work with the municipalities of Franklin County to apply for and administer grant funding for various infrastructure and community development projects. Position Overview: HRA operates Franklin County\'s Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) and strives to help local residents find and retain decent, affordable housing. The Housing Search Specialist assists low-income families and individuals to obtain housing by working with landlords, service providers, case managers, and housing programs to ease barriers to housing. Principal Duties: Work with clients to determine appropriate housing possibilities and create an individualized housing service plan including short and long-term goals associated with stable, affordable housing. Work with clients to set priorities and take steps toward reaching these goals. Coordinate services with service providers to arrange appointments with clients and to gather documentation necessary to housing search process. Work with clients to identify possible barriers to obtaining housing. Discuss criminal, credit, and eviction history. Review CORI and credit reports with all clients willing to do so. Proactively plan strategies to appeal housing denials and present mitigating factors. Facilitate housing search workshops as needed. Provide housing information and application assistance. Maintain communications with housing authorities, landlords, and private management companies responsible for administering affordable housing options. Update Program Director on project status, updates, and concerns on weekly basis. Assist the HCEC Director with outreach and intake for housing assistance programs targeting families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and provide initial information and referral services to households seeking services through the HCEC. Gather and enter data on applicants and program participants into established databases. Maintain detailed case records that fully and accurately reflect interactions with clients. Maintain understanding of current rules, regulations, and policies relating to programs administered by the HCEC department and explain these rules to clients, as necessary. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Two years of demonstrated experience working in housing, counseling, or a related field. Valid driver\'s license and/or daily access to reliable transportation. This position may require frequent travel across Franklin County and the North Quabbin, and occasional travel elsewhere, for meetings and workshops. Spanish language or American Sign Language skills a plus. Salary and benefits are according to state and federal law, Board approved personnel policies and budget. HRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION: https://fcrhra.org/careers/