What does a Housing Counselor do?
Published 3 min read
A housing counselor is a professional who provides guidance and assistance to individuals and families who are seeking affordable housing options. Housing counselors help their clients identify and apply for available housing programs, navigate the application process, and connect with resources and services. They also provide counseling on credit and financial management, budgeting, and other topics related to successful homeownership.
Housing Counselor job duties include:
- Provide counseling to families and individuals who are experiencing housing difficulties or who are seeking new housing
- Assess clients’ needs and develop action plans to address their housing difficulties
- Provide information and referrals to appropriate resources, such as government assistance programs, social service agencies, and legal services
- Negotiate with landlords on behalf of clients to resolve disputes or arrange for more favorable lease terms
- Help clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants
- Prepare educational materials on topics such as fair housing laws, budgeting, and credit repair
- Conduct workshops or training sessions on topics such as renter rights, responsible borrowing, and avoiding foreclosure
- Maintain detailed records of client contacts and case progress
- Prepare reports on program activities for funders or other stakeholders
Housing Counselor Job Requirements
Most housing counselors have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree. In addition, housing counselors may need to be certified by the National Housing Counseling Agency (NHHA). To become certified, housing counselors must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. Some states also require housing counselors to be licensed. Housing counselors typically have several years of experience working in the social service field.
Housing Counselor Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Listening skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build rapport
- Active listening skills
- Cultural competence
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Conflict resolution skills
- Stress management skills
- Problem-solving skills
Related: Top Housing Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Housing Counselor
There are many ways to become a housing counselor. The most common way is to get a degree in housing counseling or a related field such as social work, psychology, sociology, or public policy. There are also many certification programs available that can help you become a housing counselor.
Once you have the necessary education and/or certification, you will need to find a job with a housing counseling agency. These agencies can be found in most communities, and they typically offer free or low-cost services to their clients. Working as a housing counselor can be very rewarding, as you will be helping people to find safe and affordable housing options.
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