Housing Counselor (Individual Contributor V)

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County's Department of Planning, Housing, and Community Development is looking for qualified applicants to fill the position of Housing Counselor. The Housing Counselor will provide individualized rental housing counseling to the public; coordinate referrals with various human service agencies; facilitate classes for the public on topics such as personal financial management and budgeting, tenant rights and responsibilities; develop information and resources to engage additional audiences on housing topics, such as homelessness, housing stabilization, and landlord engagement and available programs. Position will also collect and manage grant program data to improve systems and track outcomes. This position will work in a team and values-based environment with a commitment to HPO principles, collaborative problem solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

*The salary for this position is grant-funded, contingent upon the availability of grant resources and compliance with funding guidelines.

This posting will close at 9:00 pm on February 27, 2025.

Job duties include the following:

• Develop and maintain informational materials, presentations, referral procedures and technological tools for rental housing counseling services to be provided to the public.
• Provide rental housing counseling services to the public, which is independent, expert advice customized to the need of the consumer to address the consumer's housing barriers and to help achieve their housing goals. Will include Intake; financial and housing affordability analysis; and an action plan. Can include providing information and referral, budgeting, credit reports/building/repair, debt repayment, rent delinquency, navigating the landlord/tenant relationship, searching for an affordable unit, etc.
• Develop and facilitate public education events at least quarterly and agency presentations as requested. Topics could include eviction mediation program, renter education, Fair Housing, Kansas Landlord/Tenant Law, community-based resources, etc.
• Responsible for collection and reporting of client-level information, including, but not limited to, financial and demographic data, experience in eviction mediation program, counseling services provided, and outcomes data. Data collection also includes grant-specific cross-systems outcomes and program improvement information needed to advance housing stability in Johnson County.
• Work closely with other Johnson County departments to maximize public benefit including Johnson County District Court, Aging and Human Services, Mental Health, United Community Services of Johnson County and others. Develop and sustain community-based contacts to benefit housing counseling clients.
• Distribute available rent assistance grant funds and ensure federal/other grant fund compliance goals are met.

Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, public health, public administration, project management, finance, accounting, urban planning or other relevant area of study is required.

Two (2) years of case management or credit counseling experience and one (1) year of public speaking or teaching while presenting complicated and detailed information required.

HUD Certified within first year of hire

Master’s degree in social work, education, public health, public administration, project management, finance, accounting, urban planning or other relevant area of study preferred.

One (1) year of data management and analysis experience preferred.

*Education may be substituted for experience.