HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES

2410 17ths Street, NW Adams Alley, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20009 202-667-7006

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT CLIENT INTAKE SPECIALIST

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 housing opportunities to individuals by providing the skills, self-esteem 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 training and educating our clients they will be better equipped to gain control over their own lives and environments and will 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 seeking dedicated, hardworking and team-oriented individual to join our staff. The Client Intake Specialist is the first point of contact for our clients and must make a professional, supportive and positive first impression on behalf of the agency. The intake office is a very active and team centered environment that demands multitasking, energy, calm professionalism and quick action. The Client Intake Specialist must become knowledgeable about all housing issues so as to best serve low and moderate income families seeking to improve housing opportunities and/or resolve a housing crisis. Many HCS staff began their housing careers in this position as it is a great jumping off point for career advancement. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Conduct client interviews to determine needs, Schedule appointments, Make appropriate referrals within HCS and to outside sources, Receive and welcome clients, Answer calls, manage multi-line telephone system, Input client data and navigate through client database, Ensure that individuals are warmly served through our one-stop-shop for all housing services,

Work effectively as part of a team with minimal supervision, Operate a multi-line telephone system, computer and database software, Communicate effectively with multi-lingual, multi-cultural clients about our services in a challenging environment, Manage difficult calls and in-person contacts in a calm, courteous, efficient and professional manner, Assess confidential information provided by clients and provide appropriate and accurate information, materials and/or referrals, Join a staff of forty in a team environment to identify challenges and suggest new and creative ways to meet our client needs and agency goals, Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and Program Directors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Multi-tasking skills are required to meet the high energy office needs. Ability to communicate effectively over the telephone and in person. Ability to analyze information and provide logical solutions. Creativity, energy and personal stamina. Ability to perform under pressure and handle a high volume of work. Ability to enter complete and accurate data under the pressure of deadlines. Ability to learn different programs and present information regarding each program efficiently and in laymans terms. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. HCS targets limited English Proficient clients and always seeks staff with language skills Salary: $28,000 to $32,000 HCS can never pay enough for the high quality staff we employ, yet we offer an environment that is supportive, team oriented matched to those that demonstrate a personal mission that aligns with HCSs goal of meeting the housing needs of low and moderate income households. HCS offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, significant annual and sick leave, tax deferred annuity contributions and flexible work hours. 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. Language skills are a plus! To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to employment@housingetc.org The Position is open until filled