Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator

The Family Self Sufficiency / Financial Opportunity Coordinator is a new position at the Brookline Housing Authority (BHA), a high- performing, mid-sized public housing agency. Building on the success of Self Sufficiency Program at state public housing, the BHA’s Resident Services Program is now poised to expand economic mobility services to federally subsidized housing through the national Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program paired with significant financial incentives. This is an exciting opportunity to meaningfully impact wealth and access gaps through positive coaching relationships and coordinated community supports.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and related financial empowerment programming for residents of BHA-subsidized housing in compliance with HUD regulations and BHA policies.
• In collaboration with Resident Services and BHA team, implement “surround sound” outreach strategies to effectively engage and enroll eligible participants and meet program targets.
• Develop collaborative, individualized assessments and action plans outlining short- and long-term goals, strategies, supports, and skills with program participants.
• Use motivational coaching frameworks and regular monitoring to support participant progress over time, to promote opportunities for economic advancement, and to overcome barriers to program success.
• Provide one-to-one coaching on basic personal finance, consistent with scope of work, expertise, and best practices.
• Build effective working relationships with related departments including but not limited to admissions, leased housing, property management, finance and resident services.
• Form strong partnerships with local service providers, employer partners, financial institutions, homeownership programs, small business assistance, and related community organization, including organizing regular coordination meetings with key partners in line with HUD and program requirements.
• Coordinate and implement financial empowerment supports (such as free tax preparation, financial education series, and resource newsletter.)
• Plan or support community engagement activities that promote resident engagement, including end-of-program celebration as applicable.
• Maintain required records and complete documentation in compliance with program policies; prepare program reports as needed.
• Manage escrow accounts, incentive payments, and financial activity accurately and in accordance with FSS regulations and BHA policies.
• Keep up-to-date successful national and local efforts to assist low income families achieve economic self-sufficiency, FSS, and any required certifications.
• Assist with resource development, such as site visits and preparation of grant proposals.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned or agreed upon.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor's Degree in social services, education or related field. Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated experience. commitment to, and passion for supporting diverse families with limited incomes to achieve their goals.
• Demonstrated characteristics: sensitivity to impact of trauma and the needs of low-income and culturally diverse participants along with an unwavering belief in client capacity to define and reach their personal visions; trustworthy, with strong interpersonal skills; self-awareness, empathy, integrity, sound judgment; physical condition commensurate with program demands.
• Demonstrated ability to: establish strong, trusting partnerships with participants and colleagues of diverse backgrounds; share, solicit, receive, and grow from feedback; manage competing priorities; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including conveying difficult or complex information in a relatable manner.
• Demonstrated skills: Excellent organizational skills; Detail-oriented with the ability to complete work accurately and efficiently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suite.
• Able to work some evenings as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• FSS, motivational interviewing, and/or economic mobility coaching preferred.
• Familiarity with Brookline is a plus.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish or Haitian Creole) a plus.

Notes:

• F/T - 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid work environment.
• BHA offers a competitive salary and strong benefits package including state GIC health insurance, a transit stipend, education allowance, and a defined-benefit pension.
• The BHA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to hiring individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. “Section 3” low-income residents (defined as 80% of the area median income) are encouraged to apply.