JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
NOTICE: This job description is provided as a general summary of common job duties performed by individuals assigned this job title. It is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to create a contract, written or implied, between employees and Catholic Charities, nor does it in any way alter the employment-at-will relationship that exists between employees and Catholic Charities. As a condition of employment, all agency employees are expected to perform job duties assigned by agency management even when such duties are not included in their job description.
JOB TITLE:
REPORTS TO:
Prevention Counselor (Bilingual Preferred)
Housing Specialist/Coordinator
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-exempt
TIME COMMITMENT: Full-time
STARTING SALARY: Depends on Experience
Position Summary
The Prevention Counselor for Homelessness Prevention services facilitates client assessments to determine appropriate financial support to access rental subsidy assistance to maintain long-term housing, preventing homelessness. The counselor works with clients to develop, implement and monitor an individualized opportunity plan, ensuring clients’ ability to retain housing.
Volunteers 1-5 Supervisorial Responsibilities
Essential Functions
1.
Provide initial information and screening for potential Homelessness Prevention participants. Interview eligible individuals and assess appropriate level of financial support (including security deposit, rent or utility arrears, and/or moving cost assistance). Interview individuals who are homeless and assess eligibility for
Homelessness Prevention to access rental subsidy assistance.
2.
Review past housing history and identify possible barriers to retain housing. Assess tenancy problems such as late payments, damage or lease violations, income, and financial assistance needs.
3.
Work closely with community partners to ensure program participants are able to avoid homelessness as well as to help with facilitating workshops to help with participant stabilization.
4.
Prepare and maintain case management records, documentation, and up-to-date files of clients; provide statistical information for reports.
5.
Once accepted as program participants, develop and implement a housing plan with the household members. Provide information and referral to individuals regarding additional community resources to ensure successful implementation of the housing plan.
Prevention Counselor
Revised 06/13

6.
Negotiate with landlords to “sell” program and convince landlords to accept tenants they would normally screen out.
7.
Consult with legal services staff regarding actions to prevent evictions. Negotiate with clients experiencing conflict to find compromise solutions to domestic problems, including outside mediation services for more serious conflict.
8.
Recommend for supervisory approval the financial assistance and services needed to resolve current tenancy problems.
9.
Participate in Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board.
Other Responsibilities
1.
2.
10.
NOTE: Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse.
Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Agency Culture
The business and social environment we operate in has changed. What worked yesterday may not work today and will likely not work tomorrow. To thrive, we must incorporate new ways of thinking and embrace new practices. As part of our individual and agency cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:
 A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values;
 A commitment to excellence in everything we do;
 A commitment to accreditation as well as performance and quality improvement;
 A commitment to outcomes and measured results;
 A commitment to innovation and to what is possible.
Education, Experience, and Skills Required
1.
A bachelor’s degree and two years’ experience in human services; or substantial experience in human services, including at least two years’ experience with shelter or outreach services required.
2.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational, conflict resolution and computer literacy.
3.
Prior experience and understanding of causes of homelessness; experience working with landlords, local rental markets and/or housing sales.
4.
Knowledge of Housing First.
5.
Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
Prevention Counselor
Revised 06/13

6.
Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach.
7.
Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of CCDSR and its clients.
8.
Possess valid driver's license; at least state required minimum of auto insurance.
9.
Computer literacy required, including experience with Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.
10.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
2.
11.
Must pass fingerprinting prior to start of employment.
Physical Requirements
1. Requires ability to sit up to 3-6 hours per day with intermittent occasional walking, standing, and bending.
Occasionally may be required to lift items up to 10 pounds to a height up to 3 feet.
3. Occasionally may be required to carry items up to 10 pounds for distances up to 500 feet.
Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/D/V
For Application Visit our Website: www.srcharities.org
***NOTE: Completed agency application must accompany resume for consideration.
Filing Deadline: Until position is filled.
Prevention Counselor
Revised 06/13