Community Resource Specialist

The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization focused on building and sustaining strong communities. TCB has been planning, developing, and operating affordable and mixed income housing communities for over 40 years. With a current budget of $40 million and a staff of over 400 and experience developing and operating properties with a value of over $2 billion, it is the nation’s largest non-profit urban residential developer and operator. Our Ways & Means approach offers membership in a rich community life and invites interested adults and youth residents to create or participate in a wide variety of activities and opportunities to build a strong community and achieve their aspirations.

Position:

Reporting to the Director of Property Management, the Community Resource Specialist is a unique position that combines the human services field with property management. The person in this position will be responsible for annual re-certifications of households and interim re-certifications as needed. In addition, responsibilities include individual financial coaching, community-building and initiating communication with residents around aspirations and goals. The CRS will work closely with Community Life Staff in regards to financial skill-building, support and mental health issues/crisis intervention. In addition, the CRS will refer residents to on- and off-site opportunities and programs.

Responsibilities include:

Complete all affordable housing re-certifications and interim certifications for assigned households in a timely manner according to the applicable program rules
Serve as financial coach to households, which includes creating personal budgets, credit counseling, and debt consolidation
Collect recertification information and compare to prior year to determine discrepancies determining eligibility of each household as required by the program
Obtain current, third party verification in accordance with program requirements and procedures.
Calculate income, assets, allowances, and rent if applicable with program
Provide occupancy related guidance and assistance to Regional Manager, Property Manager, compliance and accounting staff on a variety of inquiries
Work in partnership with Community Life Staff to introduce opportunities to residents, make referral to staff as needed and integrate lease compliance goals and objectives
Conduct aspirational interviews and understand the short- and long-term goals for each household/resident in their respective portfolio, especially in the area of economic vitality and asset building
Ensure each portfolio file meets all compliance measures
Work with residents to assist in personal, neighbor and other areas of potential conflict and/or community building
Complete Compliance Reports as requested
Ensure each new household participates in new resident orientation
Ensure clients are aware of all eligible resource benefits and assist is accessing those resources
Follow the TCB Principles of Coaching and listen for opportunities to coach residents towards resident-identified goals
Link residents to each other and the larger community to increase social capital and community revitalization
Participate in a variety of training and staff development workshops that will assist in meeting portfolio benchmarks and Community Life outcome measures
Meet regularly with CRS counterpart to discuss household portfolio progress and program activity progress
Actively participate in all-staff and leadership meetings
Attend community and other meetings as assigned
Represent organization in a professional and ethical manner when meeting with area stakeholders
Maintain system for tracking resident progress as related to goals and objectives
Work with Family Enrichment Specialist to develop personal success plans for each household
Participate in “all hands on deck” activities and all other duties as assigned by Senior Management or requested by Team Leads when necessary
Completion of other duties as assigned

Qualifications :

Commitment to the mission of The Community Builders, Inc., and Plumley Village East
Communications experience – ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders in multiple ways including, but not limited to, senior management, staff, residents, volunteers, interns, community partners, organizational donors, media and other stakeholders
Experience or general knowledge of occupancy regulations and forms for applicable programs
Knowledge of Federal Fair Housing Laws & Guidelines
Ability to manage resident communications, expectations and service in a professional and confidential manner
Minimum of 3 years in administrative work
Minimum of 1 year in the human services field
Must be able to pass program related certification courses such as Occupancy Specialist and Tax Credit Specialist Certificate
Experience in the area of financial literacy and ability to coach others around budgeting, credit and debt
High School diploma with 3 to 5 years work experience in a high paced environment
Excellent verbal, organizational, writing and proofreading skills required
Ability to make decisions individually and/or within a team and initiate action
Ability to prioritize, handle a variety of tasks and be self-directed
Must be able to follow directions and maintain composure during stressful situations
Demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Experience with occupancy software program preferred
Commitment to and experience with people from diverse ethnic, cultural and social economical backgrounds
Ability to use Active Listening, Inquiry, Advocacy and Power Management skills
Proven ability to make social networking connections

Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Maria Cotto, Director of Property Management at mtcotto@tcbinc.org .

The Community Builders, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.