POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Counselor for the Step Forward Michigan Program is a member of the Community Housing Network (CHN) Housing Counseling department, and will be responsible for assisting clients to access mortgage and property tax assistance through the Step Forward Michigan program. The Housing Counselor will report to the Director of Resource Development and Communications.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists with the development and implementation of CHN’s Step Forward Michigan programming, procedures, curriculum, presentations and marketing materials

Initiates contact with clients assigned to CHN by the Step Forward Michigan or referred through internal CHN contacts

Creates and submits client assistance applications into the Step Forward Michigan online system

Tracks and monitors all assigned client cases

Provides individual client/household counseling using the following techniques and tools:

Interviews clients in a confidential manner to obtain basic information about the clients and their housing needs or problems

Guides clients on assembling information and documentation required to submit an assistance application to Step Forward Michigan

Assists clients in creating and analyzing a household budget

Evaluates clients’ eligibility for Step Forward Michigan and other alternatives to avert foreclosure

Applies a working knowledge of applicable mortgage and real estate laws and regulations

Effectively communicates complex information regarding foreclosures and the alternatives to foreclosure

Refers clients to appropriate resources and ensures applications for funds/assistance have been made

Coordinates multi-organizational, cooperative efforts to assist clients

Monitors clients’ progress toward meeting their prevention and/or mitigation plans

Develops and maintains relationships with appropriate Step Forward Michigan, MSHDA

Homeownership Program, and County Treasurer office staff members

Plans and facilitates mortgage and property tax Foreclosure Prevention workshops

Plans and facilitates individual counseling sessions

Works with the CHN Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps AmeriCorps members to market the Step Forward Michigan program to target populations, community partners, human service organizations and local units of government, and provide daily direction on client intake

Maintains current and accurate client files in the case management system

Tracks and reports all required program activities including:

Initial client contacts

Completed Step Forward Michigan applications

Workshop presentations

Workshop attendees

Individual counseling sessions

Program referrals

Client outcomes through pre- and post-counseling and workshop surveys and interviews

Represents CHN at community forums, presentations, and other related events

Attends appropriate certification and developmental training sessions

Provides program and policy recommendations

Other relevant duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Commitment to CHN’s mission and core values

Job Knowledge – Thorough understanding of banking, mortgage and credit products and laws; Knowledge of current mortgage and property tax foreclosure laws and procedures; Knowledge of consumer protection laws and practices; Knowledge of consumer financial assistance programs; Solid understanding of the components of personal budgets and budgeting techniques

Interpersonal skills – Excellent telephone and one-on-one communication skills; Processes both verbal and non-verbal communication; Ability to be empathetic while separating emotion from situations

Negotiation – Ability to effectively negotiate win-win results for clients and other participating parties

Technical - Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Explorer. Experience with entering and maintaining data in a case management system is desirable

CREDENTIALS:

Possession of current certification as a MSHDA Homeownership Counselor is desirable. If the staff member holding this position does not possess current certification, training and mentorship will be provided with the goal of achieving certification within 12 months

The staff member holding this position will ideally have previous related work experience in housing or financial counseling, mortgage lending, property tax administration, or related fields

Possess a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation, and agree to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance that meets minimum organization requirements throughout employment

To apply for the Housing Counselor position please Click Here

POSITION SUMMARY:

Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, grant/contract compliance, or other financial activities within the organization.This is a full-time position requiring expertise in administrative and accounting functions.Responsibilities include coordination of the capital asset program, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility and property tax billing and general ledger accounting. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Accounting.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the accounting data which requires preparation and examination of accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

Overall responsibility to maintain the general ledger, including the coordination and reconciliation of accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank accounts and payroll

Prepare and maintain work paper files

Maintain cash balances and prepare as needed daily transfers

Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the accounting data. This is accomplished through review of data input and preparation of work papers

Assistance in coordinating the annual audit

Issuing annual 1099's

Prepare, with guidance from supervisor, various reports and other communications as necessary

This position may supervise some accounting staff

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

A degree in accounting/finance

Ability to effectively work in teams

Strong computer and communication skills

Inquisitive nature and a strong desire to serve and maintain an effective working relationship with members of the organization at various levels

In-depth knowledge of Excel is required as well as general understanding of automated accounting environments

Experience with Blackbaud/Financial Edge preferred

To apply for the Senior Accountant position please Click Here

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Supportive Services Coordinator (SSC) will provide housing-related supportive services to housing programs participants and will report directly to the Housing Programs Manager. The housing programs at Community Housing Network are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and serve individuals and families who are homeless and affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or HIV/AIDS. In addition to strong case management skills, the SSC position requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. This position also requires excellent record-keeping and reporting skills. Proficient computer skills are required as is the ability to be pro-active, self-directed, and detail-oriented.

Duties & responsibilities include but are not limited to:

This position is responsible for handling job tasks that fall within the categories of Housing Instruction, Housing Management, Housing Case Management and Life Skills Counseling.

Professional interaction with program participants, mental health case managers/therapists, supports coordinators, landlords and natural supports.

Conduct Home Visit appointments (at a frequency determined by grant requirements and participant needs).

Monitor and assess program participant’s current living situation and housing condition.

Complete all paperwork and documentation by deadlines.

Assist/empower program participant to meet challenges present within his or her housing environment.

Assist/empower participants to demonstrate consistent progress toward the following HUD-required goals:

Obtain permanent housing

Increase self-determination

Increase skills and/or income

Link program participant to appropriate federal, state, and local resources to accomplish the above stated goals and assist with applications, as needed and as appropriate.

Assist program participant with housing-related emergency situations and needs as necessary.

Handle coordination and distribution of donated resources.

Work in coordination and collaboration with participant’s supports.

Address housing issues and repair needs with landlord/rental agency, as necessary.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Timely completion of required documentation, paperwork, and tasks.

Compliance with HUD regulations and standards.

Timely submission of time sheets and Expense Reports.

Maintain equipment in good working order.

Maintain participant confidentiality at all times.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES:

Applicants must have at least 2 years experience working with persons with developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses. Candidates must also have reliable transportation as personal vehicles are used for daily travel. Experience working with persons who are homeless is preferred. Priority will be given to applicants with a Bachelors Degree and/or Michigan Social Work license.

To apply for the Supportive Services Coordinator position please Click Here

PROJECT SUMMARY: 

The Supportive Services Specialist will be an independent contractor who provides housing-related supportive services to housed individuals and families in Oakland County who were chronically homeless. The goal of the Supportive Services Specialist position is to help ensure that the formerly chronically homeless individuals and families remain stably housed. In addition, the Supportive Services Specialist will help to define and establish best practices to be shared statewide. The Supportive Services Specialist position is grant-limited and will end on September 30, 2014 unless additional funding is received from MSHDA to continue the program, or the relationship is terminated prior to completion.

ENGAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve at least 20 individuals or families over the course of the grant term

For potential program participants who will come from the HPV Program: Give a brief presentation about the available case management opportunities at the MSHDA HPV briefings; make initial contact with potential program participants and schedule follow-up appointment

For potential program participants who will come from ESG and PATH: Coordinate an introductory appointment with the ESG/PATH team member; present the available case management opportunities and schedule follow-up appointment

Complete an intake assessment with all potential program participants at initial 1:1 meeting

Use outcome of intake assessment to determine the potential program participant’s level of need and appropriate engagement/contact schedule

Establish a Housing Stabilization Case Plan with each program participant, using information from intake assessment as guide

Continually monitor and assess the progress of program participants

Provide resources, information and referrals to participants, as needed

Assist program participant with resolving housing-related emergency situations and needs

Assist program participant with resolving non-emergency housing issues and repair needs with landlord/rental agency, as needed

Work in coordination with program participant’s Mental Health Treatment Provider and other supports

Ensure that appropriate Authorizations for Release of Information forms are obtained, as needed

Ensure that the rights of participants are protected

Document (in HMIS) all participant case updates within 24 hours

Enter all other required data into HMIS in a timely manner

Ensure that participant information is kept up-to-date in the Access Database Properly maintain participant files and charts

Continually evaluate and refine procedures in order to demonstrate and make recommendations about "best practices”

Participate in Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings and community events as requested

Participate in meetings with grant partners to compare and contrast models,discuss best practices and outcomes

Assist with completing Progress Reports for MSHDA

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPECTATIONS:

Required: 

Experience working with people who are or recently were homeless

At least 2 years working with people who have mental illness

Reliable transportation as personal vehicles are used for daily travel

Must pass Recipient Rights Training

Must possess proficient computer skills, the ability to be well-organized, pro-active and self-directed

Must be attentive to details and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

Must be willing and able to work independently in the community as well as in participant homes as specialist will work largely unsupervised and will control the time and manner of his/her work to meet grant requirement

Preferred:

Experience with HMIS - ServicePoint 

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field

To apply for the Supportive Services Specialist position please Click Here