Housing Counselor
Division: Adult and Family Services
Department Prevention and Diversion
Classification: FTE, Exempt
Reports to: Manager, Prevention and Diversion
JOB DESCRIPTION
About HopePHL™
HopePHL is the result of the joining of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI) in January 2023. Together, we achieve a greater impact in Philadelphia. HopePHL inspires Philadelphia's children, youth, families, and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being. We are looking for vibrant and compassionate people to join our team! Learn more at www.hopephl.org.
Summary:
The Housing Counselor plays a critical role in helping HopePHL participants identify, secure, and maintain fair and affordable housing. This position supports housing stability by facilitating landlord engagement, assisting with housing searches, negotiating leases, coordinating inspections, and providing ongoing tenancy support. The Housing Counselor works in close collaboration with case managers and external partners to reduce barriers to housing and expand access to quality housing opportunities for vulnerable individuals and families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Landlord Engagement & Partnership Development
- Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals.
- Educate landlords about HopePHL programs and tenant support services.
- Promote the benefits of collaboration with HopePHL, including rental support, tenant case management, and inspection processes.
- Maintain proactive, ongoing communication with landlords and property managers to resolve housing issues, negotiate payment arrangements, and coordinate support.
- Advocate for clients during lease negotiations and facilitate communication to support housing placements.
Housing Navigation & Placement Support
- Participate in intake or housing planning meetings with case managers and clients.
- Assist clients in identifying appropriate housing that aligns with their needs, income, and eligibility.
- Support clients in completing rental applications and gathering documentation (e.g., ID, income verification).
- Coordinate and attend unit viewings, lease signings, and move-in inspections.
Client Advocacy & Stabilization Support
- Advocate for participants facing rental barriers such as poor credit, criminal records, or unstable rental histories.
- Provide mediation and conflict resolution support between landlords and tenants as needed.
- Offer housing retention support, in collaboration with case managers, to address tenancy challenges and promote long-term stability.
- Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to connect clients with wraparound services (e.g., legal assistance, employment support, childcare, and behavioral health services).
- Participate in the development and implementation of individualized housing plans.
- Stay current on local housing market conditions, rental assistance programs, and fair housing laws.
- Represent HopePHL at housing fairs, community forums, and stakeholder meetings.
Inspection & Compliance Coordination
- Schedule and attend housing inspections to ensure units meet funding and habitability standards.
- Communicate with landlords regarding required corrections and support resolution to ensure timely occupancy.
- Conduct regular follow-ups with clients and landlords to ensure the timely submission of all necessary paperwork.
Data Management & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of all client interactions, housing outcomes, and landlord partnerships.
- Enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other agency systems in a timely and compliant manner.
- Track housing inventory, inspection outcomes, and client progress toward housing goals.
- Meet all program and funder reporting requirements, including timely data entry and monthly deliverables.
- Uphold confidentiality and data security in compliance with agency, funder, and legal requirements.
Professional Responsibilities
- Attend supervision bi-weekly and arrive prepared with updated case documentation.
- Share weekly schedule with supervisor and maintain regular communication.
- Attend all required team and agency meetings and adhere to agency attendance policies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to advance the mission and goals of HopePHL.
Competencies:
- Knowledge of Housing Resources
- Communication Skills
- Negotiation and Mediation
- Cultural Competency
- Organizational Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Technological Proficiency
- Trauma Informed
Required Education and Experience:
Education: High school diploma or GED required. Relevant training or coursework in housing, human services, or social work is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience will be considered.
Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in housing services, case management, or a related field, with a focus on landlord engagement and housing placement. Knowledge of fair housing laws and regulations; certification in housing counseling or related areas is a plus.
Work Environment:
This position is a hybrid (three days in the office, two remote), with flexible schedule options. Occasional travel to the offices of foundation officials or off-site locations will be required. The candidate for this position will routinely use computers, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other standard office equipment
Physical Demands:
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
HopePHL is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19104
