Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator

SUMMARY       

The role of the FSS Coordinator is a substantially independent position with full responsibility for the administration of all aspects of the FSS Program.  The Coordinator manages a caseload of Section 8 program participants and public housing residents who have agreed to participate in the FSS Program. The FSS Coordinator oversees the operation of the Resource Room in the Service Center.  The FSS Coordinator also assists the Resident Services Manager and the Executive Office on special projects related to economic development programs for program participants in both the Leased Housing and Conventional Programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintains and further develops the current FSS Action Plan and the ACOP Plan.  This includes the FSS sections of the Housing Authority’s Administrative Plan, which must be in accordance with HUD regulations.
2. Conducts outreach to develop a pool of potential FSS participants.  Screens potential participants against program selection criteria, including initial assessment of supportive service options.
3. Conducts research on supportive services and program slots for FSS participants and obtains commitments from public and private entities for targeted training and supportive service options.
4. Performs the escrow account calculations using a FSS Escrow Account Credit Worksheet and provides the Finance Department with the information on HANH contributions to the escrow account.  The Finance Department and the FSS Coordinator jointly monitor the status of all escrow accounts.
5. Develops and monitors individual FSS Work Plans with program participants, including periodic re-assessments of supportive service requirements.
6. Provides case management services to all FSS program participants.
7. Prepares a quarterly FSS Program Progress Report and Work Plan summarizing all program activities for the three months prior and forecasts activities for the next three months.  Progress will be measured against the Work Plan for the period in question.
8. Develops and implements a Section 8 Homeownership Program in conjunction with the FSS Program.
9. Coordinates HANH’s FSS Program with efforts of the Continuum for Success (HANH’s collaboration with New Haven’s social service providers).
10. Makes recommendations to the Resident Services Manager and the Office of the Executive Director on the membership of the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) of the FSS Program.
11. Develops the agenda for all PCC meetings and serves as recording secretary for all PCC meetings.  Attends all PCC meetings.
12. Develops, conducts and coordinates FSS participant training programs on basic life skills such as housekeeping, personal finance, and nutritional planning.
13. Makes social service referrals to participating households whose situations require extra forms of assistance outside the program support detailed in the individual FSS Work Plan.
14. Develops and maintains confidential record-keeping systems for the FSS Program.
15. Trains FSS Households on the policies and procedures of the Section 8 and Public Housing Program.
16. Trains new staff on routine program procedures.
17. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Above average written and oral communication skills.
2. Ability to develop program procedures and administrative systems.
3. Ability to conduct social service needs assessments of potential FSS participants
4. Ability to assemble and analyze factual information for the purpose of developing proposed courses of actions and comprehensive solutions to program related issues.
5. Ability to handle confidential information in an appropriate manner.
6. Skills to develop and maintain public/private partnerships with local industry and service providers.
7. Knowledge of HUD regulations related to the FSS Program and Section 8 Homeownership Program.
8. Working knowledge of available home financing options.
9. Sophisticated knowledge of basic office computer software including internet and e-mail systems
10. Must obtain Certification in FSS Program or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
11. Bilingual in Spanish, preferred but not mandatory

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

The FSS Coordinator will be partially evaluated on his or her success in identifying qualified households through the entire program. The coordinator will also be evaluated on the efficiency of program administration and the development and maintenance of adequate record keeping on participant households. The content and timely preparation of quarterly FSS Program Progress Reports and Work Plans are expected.  The FSS Coordinator will also provide a baseline of performance.  In addition, the ability to coordinate FSS program needs with other activities in the Service Center.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor Degree with a concentration in social sciences, public administration, social work or a related field combined with two years of experience with low income or assisted housing programs; or three to five years experience with low income, public, or assisted housing programs.  Previous experience managing an FSS Program is preferred.