Housing Counselor - Non-Merit

Full Job Description

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Bureau of Community-Based Services, Department of Health and Human Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Requirements

Under general supervision, screens, evaluates, and monitors clients in a human services program, provides counseling and case management services as part of a treatment or rehabilitative plan, and makes referrals to other agencies or professionals.

Example of Essential Duties

• Interviews clients to establish case history or reviews case histories of referrals in order to assess eviction prevention, rapid re-housing, or homelessness prevention needs.

• Assesses client needs and independently, or in consultation with a social worker or other licensed professional, develops an appropriate plan which may include referral of client to another agency or professional.

• Monitors and evaluates clients’ participation in service programs referred by case management.

• Provides continuing housing stabilization services, case management services, home visitations, crisis intervention and group facilitation of skill building.

• Places clients in housing, job or community service activities and resolves problems in job assignments as appropriate.

• Maintains detailed records of clients’ activities and provides statistical and narrative reports upon request.

• Follows up on referrals and acts as a liaison between clients, landlords, employers, and other community organizations.

• Prepares statistical and summary reports as requested.

• Creates and maintains landlord relationships.

• Conducts educational, community relations, prevention, and outreach programs.

• Attends meetings and training sessions.
  

Examples of Other Duties

• Recommends and assists in implementing corrective actions related to problem area in overall program.

• May transport clients and make home visits.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior, growth and development, mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, and problems related to socioeconomic factors.

• Knowledge of modern individual, group, and family counseling techniques, diagnostic assessment, and basic treatment planning.

• Basic knowledge of community, human, and social services assistance programs.

• Knowledge of the organization and role of assigned program within the County and State human services structure.

• Knowledge of community resources and support group available to clients.

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines including those of the courts and criminal justice system.

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.

• Skill in conducting individual diagnostic/assessment interviews and formulating basic treatment plans.

• Skill on making appropriate referrals.

• Skill in handling hostile individuals.

• Skills in crisis intervention.

• Skill in individual, group, and family counseling.

• Skill in case management.

• Writing skill necessary to complete forms, medical records, case histories, and reports.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Ability to conduct individual/assessment interviews and to formulate a basic treatment plan.

• Ability to make appropriate referrals.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.

• Ability to appropriately handle hostile individual and those experiencing a crisis.

• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines for human services professionals.

• Ability to conduct educational programs for clients or for the community.
  
  

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class.

They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a social or behavioral science. (Experience as described in essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years for the required education.)

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of licenses, certifications, and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of license, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Housing Counselor - Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDUREApplicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions.

Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

Physical and Environmental Conditions
This is a non-merit, grant-funded position. This position is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activities. Positions may require traveling between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.