Youth Housing Counselor, Women’s Community Revitalization Project

Posted by on November 7, 2003

[posted from PACDC newsletter]

Youth Housing Counselor
Women’s Community Revitalization Project
October 23, 2003

Center City
Under the supervision of the Support Services Coordinator, it is the responsibility of this staff person to provide housing counseling services to the youth who are participants of the Achieving Independence (AI) center of the Department of Human Services. This staff person should be someone who can work independently, as well as in a team and provide a range of information, education and support to the participants at the AI Center. This person should be comfortable working with both individuals and groups.

Other Responsibilities are:
*Become familiar with and build relationships with the various housing agencies that can support or supply housing for youth.
*Explore the feasibility of creating a private network of individuals who would be willing to house youth in their homes.
*Support the devlopment of an individualized assessment of housing needs which will include a self assessment, goal setting and development of a time line.
*Provide counseling focused on the development of problem solving and self advocacy skills.
*Give referrals to programs that directly address related problems, such as, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health or other needs which have been identitified as adverseley affecting the participant’s housing situation.
*Provide advocacy on participant’s behalf with appropriate programs.
*Provide referrals to emergency housing when housing need is immediate.
*Provide follow up to support members once they have found housing, to help develop and maintain a long term housing plan.
*Provide workshops on such topics as, self advocacy with landlords, budget counseling, conducting a housing search, understanding leases and tenant rights and responsibilities.
*A minimum of 5 years experience or a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working in direct service provision in a setting focused on working with youth.
*Demonstrated commitment to working with low income youth and/or families.
*Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
*Strong communication and organizational skills.
*Experience in housing counseling a plus.

For more information please contact:
407-411 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-627-5550
215-627-6766

Visit their website: <a href="http://www.wcrpphila.com">http://www.wcrpphila.com</a>
Women’s Community Revitalization Project