Position Description
Position Snapshot:
The Housing Counselor is an integral role within Access Living’s direct services teams. By providing people with disabilities one-on-one and group professional housing counseling services to obtain and/or sustain their housing to independently live in the community, the Housing Counselor is an essential part of the philosophy of independent living.
- $50,000-$55,000 starting salary
- Hybrid work environment – In office two days per week, three remote, with flexible bank of additional remote work days to use throughout the year as desired.
- Upon hire, any required education/certifications supported by Access Living
Basic Function:
This position is responsible for providing people with disabilities one-on-one and group professional housing counseling services to obtain and/or sustain their housing to independently live in the community.
Specific Duties:
- To promote community integration and independent living philosophy for people with disabilities by working with disabled Chicagoans who are seeking suitable rental housing.
- To provide rental housing counseling and advise disabled tenants in locating affordable housing and rental assistance; to understand property maintenance, financial management and other matters as appropriate so the Access Living consumers improve their housing conditions to be marketable tenants.
- To advocate for Access Living’s consumers who are negatively impacted by foreclosure or other housing crises.
- To conduct monthly group counseling sessions for individuals seeking suitable rental housing, and to train consumers on the following topics:
- Mediate between tenants and landlords to assist in resolving tenancy issues and/or concerns.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act, As Amended in 1988 protections and responsibilities
- How to resolve issues around foreclosed rental properties
- Reasonable accommodation rights, and Disability identity.
- To assist individuals in obtaining a reasonable accommodation, if needed.
- Continue to collaborate and advocate with Corporation for Supportive Housing, Housing and Urban Development, Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Housing Development Authority and other housing resources to achieve potential units for people with disabilities seeking housing.
- Maintain electronic client/project files, CMS systems, data entry and 1:1 meeting with consumers as outlined by HUD and other funding requirements.
- Act as spokesperson for Access Living and develop partnerships with community partners and grantors.
- To complete other duties as assigned.
Education and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- HUD Housing Counseling Certification preferred. Must complete certification within 60 days of hire.
- Professional development and continuing education required annually to meet industry standards.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years housing counseling experience preferred.
- Preference given to applicants who have experience working with people with disabilities.
Physical Demands:
Ability to travel throughout Access Living’s service area (Greater Chicagoland area). Periods of sitting are required for office work.
Equipment Operated:
Computers, TTY’s, Fax machine, Braille machine
Working Environment:
Office area is a shared workspace divided by cubicles. Verbal communication can be heard from other staff in adjoining cubicles.
Professional Affiliations:
None
No. Employees Directly Supervised:
None
Starting Salary Range:
$50,000 to $55,000
Supervised By:
Housing Supervisor
How to Apply
Email cover letter and resume’ to both: Jennifer Matthews, Jmatthews@accessliving.org and Wanda Lopez, wlopez@accessliving.org