Housing Counselor

JOB TITLE:  Housing Counselor 

REPORTS TO:  Director of Financial Services 

STATUS:  Full-Time/Non-Exempt/Permanent 

COMPENSATION:  $32.32 / Hour. Competitive Salary includes paid medical insurance, paid vacation  time, personal days, health days, and holidays.  

SCHEDULE:  Mon-Fri;  monthly Saturdays and some weekday evenings will be  required. Hybrid  60% onsite, and 40% remote 

Role Overview:  

The Housing Counselor is responsible for leading, coordinating and supporting the implementation of housing and financial services programs. The primary programs are First Time Homebuyer Program and Rental Program. Overall responsibilities include program planning and evaluation, provision of one-on-one financial counseling including counseling for first time homebuyers and renters, provision of financial services workshops, data collection and reporting, and collaboration with partners and consultants. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Services, this position: 

• Provides services in all aspects of the Center's housing programs, including outreach, delivery of program activities, evaluation, and program administration.   

• Provides individual services to program participants, including intakes and assessment, client services eligibility, identify immediate needs in order to provide financial services to LGBTQ participants, and link them to the appropriate services.   

• Conducts one-on-one counseling with participants, including working with each participant to assess their financial situation, goals and needs. Assists participants in developing a budget and setting financial goals; produce written action plans that support their goals. 

• Motivates participants to implement the established plan and provide ongoing one-on-one support as needed to assist participants in meeting established goals and priorities; provide service and problem-solving assistance for participant inquiries and case management. 

• Provides information and/or referral to participants on financial literacy issues, including, but not limited to bankruptcy, collection action, court judgment, credit education, credit reports, housing issues, consumer protection laws, etc. 

• Explains credit report ratings and protections laws to participants and provide answers to participants' questions. 

• Assists in helping the department maintain our HUD certification. This includes thorough recordkeeping and client follow-up, as well as assisting with quarterly reporting requirements. 

• Helps design and implement initiatives that build the financial security of participants, including projects which integrate our housing programs with other financial services programs (like Financial Counseling and Small Business), departments, and external partners. 

• Contributes to the development and implementation of outreach and marketing strategies to increase overall awareness of our services and to recruit participants for specific workshops and programs 

• Provides support with recruitment, supervision, and training of program interns, volunteers, and consultants, when appropriate. 

• Maintains positive working relationships with key funders including, but not limited to: HomeSF, the Mayor’s Office of Housing, BALANCE, and institutional funders. 

• Coordinates and facilitates monthly program workshops, including first time homebuyer workshops, rental workshops, and financial literacy workshops. 

• Builds partnerships with other Center staff and collaborative agencies.  

• Represents the agency in various housing and financial services meetings and events.  

• Supports administrative functions of the Financial Services Program, including monthly, quarterly and annual reports with program statistics and written narratives.   

• Actively participates as a member of the Financial Services team. Supports additional Financial Services program activities, and general Center functions as appropriate. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS   

• Cultural humility and demonstrated commitment to the transgender community and familiarity with the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are required.  

• A minimum of two years of experience in financial services, access to housing, asset building, first time homebuyers programs or other experience building the financial security of low to moderate income individuals. 

• HUD Housing Counselor certified and experience utilizing SF MOHCD’s First Time Home Buyer’s and Rental Programs highly desired. 

• Bilingual skills highly desired and will be utilized in group presentations and individual counseling sessions. 

• Detail-oriented, hardworking, and able to complete paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.   

• Excellent presentation skills, including networking and public speaking or group facilitation.  

• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills, ability to maintain confidentiality.  

• Strong interpersonal relationship skills and ability to work both independently and within a team-oriented organizational structure. Experience working collaboratively with multiple agencies desired.   

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.  

• Computer proficient in MS Office or similar programs, understanding of concept of relational database, competent in using Internet and excellent research abilities.   

• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solution-oriented approaches to complex issues. Ability to adapt to changing environment and priorities.   

• Commitment to the mission of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center.  Experience and commitment to working in a multicultural environment.  

• Must be able to work in a culturally diverse and fast paced environment.  

• Requires flexibility in working some evenings and/or weekend hours. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• This position is primarily office based at the Center’s 1800 Market Street location with an ability to negotiate a schedule of remote work up to a maximum of 40% time.  

• Essential physical requirements:  

• Must be able to operate a computer and other common office machinery such as a copier/fax/printer up to eight hours/day daily.  

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of several hours daily.  

• Must be able to lift to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.  

• Must be able to work in a shared office space with 3 or more employees in the same office with moderate levels of noise.  

Employees in this position much be able to perform these essential functions satisfactorily, and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.  

• Hours are primarily Monday – Friday with occasional need for evening or weekend work. Work schedules are negotiable within a standard 8:00 am – 7:00 pm window.  

• Local travel may be required for meetings or offsite events. Out of town travel is infrequent and negotiable. No car required. 

THE SF LGBT CENTER www.sfcenter.org 

The mission of the Center is to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies. The Center’s strategies inspire and strengthen our community by:  

     • Fostering greater opportunities for people to thrive.  

     • Organizing for our future.  

     • Celebrating our history and culture.  

     • Building resources to create a legacy for future generations.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  

The Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or inter-sex are encouraged to apply. The Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical condition, perceived physical disability or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute.  

APPLICATIONS 

• To Apply, please visit www.sfcenter.org/employment-opportunities/ 

• Please include a Cover Letter expressing your interest and a Resume detailing your experience/qualifications 

SF LGBT Community Center 

1800 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE