HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES, INC.

2410 17th Street, NW, Suite 100 Adams Alley Washington, DC 20009 (202) 667-7006 Position Announcement March 2014 Housing Counseling Services, Inc. (HCS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1972 to provide comprehensive housing counseling, training, advocacy and technical assistance for low and moderate-income homebuyers, homeowners, tenants and the homeless; to help them to achieve successful living in healthy, safe, and affordable homes. Our goal is to prevent homelessness and offer improved housing opportunities by providing the skills, selfesteem and empowerment necessary within families and communities. Further, HCS works to build the individual and group capacity for economic, physical, and social development of homes, neighborhoods and communities. HCS believes in a bottom-up approach to community services and believes that by educating our clients they will be better equipped to gain control over their own lives and environments. Our services are designed to resolve an immediate crisis and to help our clients to develop the skills necessary for long-term solutions, preventing the recurrence of problems. HCS places additional priorities in removing barriers for groups without adequate access to services such as limited English proficient (LEP), disabled, immigrant, homeless and elderly populations. HCS is looking for new team members to join our committed staff and encourages all to apply! We are looking for high energy, committed and quick learners to serve low- and moderate-residents in the DC metro area.

Comprehensive Housing Counselor: Salary Range $36k-$40k

The Housing Counselor will provide individual counseling to tenants, homebuyers and homeowners to help them resolve a housing crisis and seek housing solutions. Job responsibilities: Provide counseling to families on housing issues in order to resolve problems and improve housing situation of families. Advocate on the behalf of clients with lenders, landlords, social service agencies, etc. Assist clients in receiving assistance in their needs such as food, utilities, shelter, clothing, medical care, etc. Follow-up with all clients to be assured that their needs are being met. Maintain accurate written and computer based files.
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Assist clients in meeting their housing goals.

Qualifications: Excellent oral and written communication skills Must demonstrate the ability to communicate with a variety of people including bankers, realtors, landlords and low and moderate income families from a variety of cultures. Ability to translate technical information into layman's terms. Must demonstrate an ability to work with a minimum of supervision. Must be versatile in order to handle a wide variety of duties. Sensitivity to the needs within the community and to individual clients. Knowledge of D.C. housing law or capacity to learn. Computer skills. Spanish or other non-English language fluency desirable Two years of specialized professional experience in social work, housing counseling, urban studies, or related fields (B.A. degree in a related field will be considered as one year of specialized experience). Background in housing development, real estate practices, financial analysis and affordable housing principals helpful.

HCS is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. HCS recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital or familiar status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. Resumes and cover letters should be sent to employment@housingetc.org . Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.