Housing Counselor

This position is responsible for providing people with disabilities comprehensive one-on-one and group education rental counseling services to assist individuals in applying for housing options and/or sustain their housing to independently live in the community.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: Describe responsibilities and tasks.

Consumer Relations and Counseling

1. Conduct one-on-one rental counseling and provide group education through class sessions. Provide people with disabilities assistance and guidance in applying for affordable housing options that meet their access needs.
2. To promote community integration and independent living philosophy for people with disabilities by working with disabled Chicagoans who are seeking suitable rental housing.
3. Develop individualized action plans and budgets through rental counseling that identifies barriers and outlines action steps and includes a timeline that assists consumers in meeting desired outcomes.
4. Assist consumers to understand property maintenance, financial management and other matters as appropriate, so the Access Living consumers improve their housing conditions to be marketable tenants.
5. Complete affordability analysis that properly determines and outlines parameters for people with disabilities while meeting their access needs.
6. To advocate for Access Living’s consumers who are negatively impacted by foreclosure or other housing crises.
7. Approach interactions with consumers with empathy. De-escalate individuals who are in difficult situations or facing challenges with empathy

Assist in advocating for people with disabilities for possible reasonable accommodation requests in their urgent situation.

Compliance and Quality Control

• Ensure one-on-one counseling files meet HUD Housing Counseling Program standards
• Meet HUD standards with documentation requirements that allow for accurate internal performance tracking and seamless HUD reporting to be done
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and program quality control protocols
• Participate in outreach events and/or presentations internally and to external community partners to collaborate relationships in exchanging resources

1. Conduct monthly group counseling sessions for individuals seeking suitable rental housing, and train consumers on the following topics:
   1. Mediate between tenants and landlords to assist in resolving tenancy issues and/or concerns.
   2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act, As Amended in 1988 protections and responsibilities.
   3. How to resolve issues around foreclosed rental properties.
   4. Reasonable accommodation rights, and disability identity.

1. Collaborate and advocate with Corporation for Supportive Housing, Housing and Urban Development, Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Housing Development Authority and other housing resources to obtain potential units for people with disabilities seeking housing.
2. Maintain electronic client/project files, CMS systems, data entry, and 1:1 meeting with consumers as outlined by HUD and other funding requirements.
3. Complete reports requested at any given time for current and/or future funding opportunities.
4. Act as spokesperson for Access Living and develop partnerships with community partners and grantors.
5. To complete other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Minimum educational background required.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. HUD Housing Counseling Certification preferred.Must obtain certification within 60 days of hire.
                  2. Experience in affordable housing and/or property management a plus
                  3. Knowledge of working with people with disabilities
                  4. Professional development and continuing education are required annually to meet industry standards.

Education

BA/BS preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 2 years housing counseling experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Nature and extent of standing, stooping, lifting and walking.

Ability to travel throughout Access Living’s service area.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Identify the work area and any of its unpleasant elements.

Office area is a shared workspace divided by cubicles. Verbal communication can be heard from other staff in adjoining cubicles.

Hybrid work schedule. Job will entail a combination of office, in the community and remote work.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Associations to which incumbent may belong.

None.

NO. OF EMPLOYEES DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

None.

SUPERVISED BY: Program Manager

Salary: The minimum starting salary for this position is $55,000.

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume’ to:

Wanda Lopez, wlopez@accessliving.org

Compensation & Benefits Statement

Access Living is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Comprehensive coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Plan – 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching to support long-term financial well-being.
• Paid Time Off – Generous vacation, personal days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements – We work remotely several days a week.
• Life & Disability Insurance – Employer-sponsored coverage for added security.