Homelessness Prevention Advisor (Springfield)

Department:  Housing Education Services     Work Arrangement:  Onsite   

Homelessness Prevention Advisor (Springfield & Holyoke)

Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Homelessness Prevention Advisor (HPA) in our Housing Education Services program. The HPA furthers our mission by providing timely and accurate information, referrals, and brief counseling to empower tenants, landlords, homeowners, and community members to make sound decisions concerning their housing needs.

Benefits include:  20 days accrued paid time-off during year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $19.25 and $22.00 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The candidate will work fully onsite at either our Springfield or Holyoke housing centers.

Responsibilities include:

• Assess client needs and provide information, education, and referral on appropriate resources when necessary
• Determine eligibility for financial assistance under current available housing and rental assistance programs
• Process applications for financial assistance services in a timely manner; maintain complete and accurate case files, and ensure all required databases are up to date consistently
• Educate consumers about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities; rental assistance, homebuyer readiness information and available community resources
• Assist clients with housing search resources and tools, effective problem solving, and options planning in collaboration with department staff
• Assist tenants in the assessment and resolution of potential eviction actions.  Educate tenant on eviction processes, the housing court system as required, and referring complex cases to our Housing Resource Specialist
• Work collaboratively with the team to coordinate housing related resources and services
• Ensure timely and effective flow of communication between internal departments to ensure the delivery of quality services to the client
• Provide information and outreach to, and interact effectively with the social service network, client advocates, community organizations, the landlord community, housing authorities, and/ or court officials
• Assist the team with workshops for tenants and landlords
• Research and remain current on new and modified housing assistance programs, services, and their related regulations to ensure the accurate provision of guidance and assistance to clients.  Assist with maintaining and updating agency housing database

Requirements include:

• 2 years' equivalent experience in human/social services, or a related role; a combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills preferred, but not required
• Adept with the Microsoft Suite and database applications, plus comfort learning new technologies
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form
• Organized and able to shift priorities as necessary and assigned to best serve clients

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to