Summary

Works under the direction of the Director of Asset Management for the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA). The Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, maintaining, evaluating, and overseeing programs designed to increase the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families and thereby reduce their need for subsidized programs and services. The work performed under general supervision of the Director, with considerable requirement for independent judgment and action take in the above areas.

All activities must support the MHA (or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, implements, directs, and evaluates the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in accordance with regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and policies set by Memphis Housing Authority.
• Develops or assists with the development of Action Plan polices for the program with the recommendations of the Department Director.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of program materials, reports, and records such as assessments, financial records, activity reports and case management records.
• Maintains data regarding Family Self-Sufficiency services and accomplishments and prepares reports monthly, summarizing these service data indices for use by the Memphis Housing Authority, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the community of service providers assisting with the delivery of services.
• Serves as liaison among and between related departments within Memphis Housing Authority and contract affiliates whose goals and daily work product relates to the Family Self Sufficiency program including but not limited to housing choice voucher, public housing, finance, Urban Strategies Incorporated, resident engagement, and other resident services.
• Serves on special boards and committees serving Memphis Housing Authority residents needs and represents Memphis Housing Authority at workshops and training programs which benefit from Memphis Housing Authority participation and/or sponsorship.
• Networks with community agencies, determines key leadership from these agencies and coordinates the formation and ongoing viability of a Program Coordinating Committee to provide services, technical assistance, and policy guidance.
• Collaborates with community agencies and mainstream providers for the provision of these services for clients.
• Contracts through Memoranda of Agreement or contracts with community agencies and mainstream providers to ensure on-going provision of these services for clients.
• Conducts outreach, recruits, interviews, and determines the eligibility of applicants for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
• Interviews and determines the eligibility of applicants for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
• Assesses service needs of program participants, and through case management, goal setting, referrals, and monitoring assists participants in accessing appropriate public or private community agencies to obtain specialized types of assistance.
• Reviews case records to update and monitor client needs.
• Maintains knowledge of successful national and local efforts to assist low-income families achieve economic self-sufficiency.
• Assists with the ongoing development of MHA’s Housing Counseling Program.
• Attends trainings, conferences, or other off-site events as required.
• Must possess a valid TN driver’s license. Have a good driving record to assure lowest cost to Authority for insurance. Have an adequate vehicle for driving to any of our Tri-county areas that we serve. Incidental use of personal vehicle is required.
• Understand the needs for confidentiality of all Housing Authority records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority; uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility. Ability to perform independently; take initiative and follow-through on tasks in an efficient manner. Must have general knowledge of housing authority’s programs, policies, and procedures. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and be adept at multitasking while maintaining accountability for complete and timely work performance. Demonstrates strong organizational, project management and critical thinking skills.

Professional Behavior: Exhibits positive, polite, courteous, honest, and conscientious behavior with all internal/external clients. Accepts responsibility for actions and adjusts behavior as appropriate. Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and maintain the decorum of the office. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, clients, and constituents. Must be able to communicate with a variety of audiences and provide excellent customer service. Must display a neat, clean, and professional appearance.

Reliability & Judgment: Employee demonstrates sound reasoning and critical thinking by making decisions in line with established Agency expectations. Performs work in a reliable manner that is both accurate and timely. Must uphold a strict level of confidentiality. Must be skilled in analyzing situations in order to identify problems and offer viable solutions.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports agency's mission and values

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree required with course work in psychology, sociology, human services, social work, or a closely related field; five years’ experience in social service or education programs that included case management skills and program development preferred.

Must have basic computer knowledge in word processing and be able to utilize computers in specialized program operations. The position requires basic mathematic computation skills, and experience in client tracking systems. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

External contacts include the public, citizens, community groups, other government agencies, Housing Authority clients. Types of interactions consist of educating and presenting information in an informal, concise manner; assessing through dialogue and interview techniques; problem-solving, and counseling. Contacts may contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times.

Physical Demands

Some standing and walking required in touring properties and conducting customer service satisfaction surveys and inspections in all types of weather. Works in an office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Must be able to lift documents, files, etc. weighing approximately 20 pounds. Must be able to operate agency’s computer software with accuracy and proficiency for prolonged periods of time.

Skills and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, the employee must have knowledge of basic accounting functions, Fair Housing guidelines, customer service experience in hospitality or the customer facing industry.

Beneficial to have considerable knowledge of community human services system. Knowledge of barriers to self-sufficiency; ability to perform comprehensive social assessments and work with clients in setting appropriate goals; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of people; ability to support and motivate clients; ability to achieve and maintain harmonious working relations; ability to work with a considerable degree of independence. Performs duties with only periodic supervision given.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most of the work is performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Disclaimer

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Job descriptions do not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned. Employer retains the right to change or assign additional duties and responsibilities to this position.

The Memphis Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MHA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.