Overview
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness? Join us as a Housing Readiness Coordinator with AmeriCorps and embark on a rewarding journey to empower clients across New Jersey shelters. This role is about transforming lives through a dynamic four-step process. You will work directly with individuals facing homelessness, helping them navigate the complexities of securing housing by addressing key barriers such as identification, income, tenancy skills, and financial readiness.
Multiple locations! Positions available in the following NJ counties: Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, and Passaic
Responsibilities
1. Client Assessment and Planning
- Conduct initial assessments to understand each client's specific situation
- Develop personalized plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on obtaining proper identification, establishing a reliable source of income, participating in tenancy maintenance training, and securing funds for rent and security deposits.
2. Create and Offer Programming
- Work with clients individually as well as in group sessions on the four main markers of Housing Readiness:
- Identification Acquisition:
- Assist clients in obtaining necessary identification documents such as state IDs, birth certificates, and social security cards.
- Navigate bureaucratic processes and provide advocacy to ensure clients can access essential identification.
- Accessing a Reliable Source of Income:
- Collaborate with clients to identify and pursue viable income opportunities, including employment, benefits applications, and financial assistance programs.
- Tenancy Skills Training:
- Coordinate and facilitate training sessions that educate clients on maintaining tenancy, understanding lease agreements, budgeting for housing expenses, and resolving conflicts with landlords.
- Financial Readiness:
- Assist clients in developing financial plans to save for rent and security deposits.
- Connect clients with financial literacy workshops, savings programs, and emergency assistance resources.
3. Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes using designated databases or tracking systems.
- Track performance measures to show the success of the program
- Compile regular reports on program activities, successes, and challenges for AmeriCorps supervisors and organizational stakeholders.
4. Community Involvement
- Meet monthly with AmeriCorps members throughout the state doing similar work!
- Participate in quarterly community service events
- Engage in and collaborate with local community partners to provide beneficial resources to the shelter clients
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is a high school graduate, is at least 18 years old, and has a desire to change lives and serve communities with enthusiasm and compassion. Other qualifications include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and connections with diverse clients and partners
- Ability to navigate complex systems with creativity and resourcefulness to advocate on behalf of clients
- Detail-oriented and organized to ensure every client receives top support
- Commitment to AmeriCorps' mission and values, including service to communities in need and making a lasting impact in your community
Benefits
- Depending on position type, Living Allowance of up to $15,050
- Depending on position type, Segal Education Award of up to$5,176.50 upon completion of service
- If eligible, childcare assistance and healthcare coverage
- Professional development and networking opportunities
