Homelessness Prevention Advisor (Bilingual) Job Location - Springfield, MA Position Type - Full-time Salary Range - \$17.75 - \$21.75 Hourly Description Department: Housing Education Services Work Arrangement: Onsite At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region\'s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and equitable region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options. Every day, our team helps people facing real challenges with housing, jobs, personal finances, and other cornerstones of daily stability to find real solutions. And we help communities and systems to grow in positive, strategic ways. We know that the right help at the right time can make all the difference; Way Finders provides transformative help to tens of thousands of people each year. Always with respect, always with compassion. Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Homelessness Prevention Advisor (HPA) in our Housing Education Services program. The HPA furthers our mission by providing timely and accurate information, referrals, and brief counseling to empower tenants, landlords, homeowners, and community members to make sound decisions concerning their housing needs. The candidate will work fully onsite. Responsibilities include: Assess client needs and provide information, education, and referral on appropriate resources when necessary Determine eligibility for financial assistance under current available housing and rental assistance programs Process applications for financial assistance services run by HCEC in a timely manner; maintain complete and accurate case files, and ensure all required databases are up to date consistently Educate consumers about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities; rental assistance, homebuyer readiness information and available community resources Assist clients with housing search resources and tools, effective problem solving, and options planning in collaboration with department staff Assist tenants in the assessment and resolution of potential eviction actions. Educate tenant on eviction processes, the housing court system as required, and referring complex cases to our Housing Resource Specialist Work collaboratively with the team to coordinate housing related resources and services Ensure timely and effective flow of communication between internal departments to ensure the delivery of quality services to the client Provide information and outreach to, and interact effectively with the social service network, client advocates, community organizations, the landlord community, housing authorities, and/ or court officials Assist the team with workshops for tenants and landlords Research and remain current on new and modified housing assistance programs, services, and their related regulations to ensure the accurate provision of guidance and assistance to clients. Assist with maintaining and updating agency housing database Requirements include: 2 years\' equivalent experience in human/social services, or a related role; a combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills required Adept with the Microsoft Suite and database applications, plus comfort learning new technologies Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form Organized and able to shift priorities as necessary and assigned to best serve clients Wage starts between \$17.75 and \$21.75 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.