12 Housing Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

If you're thinking of becoming a housing counselor, you should know that the job requires a specific set of skills. In this article, we'll go over 12 housing counselor skills and their definitions. With this information, you can decide if a career in housing counseling is right for you.

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is essential for housing counselors. They need to be able to explain complex information in a way that is easy for clients to understand. They also need to be able to listen to clients and understand their needs.

Active listening

Active listening is a skill that is used in order to effectively communicate with others. It involves being fully present and engaged in the conversation, and taking the time to truly understand what the other person is saying. This is important in housing counseling because it allows the counselor to gain a clear understanding of the client's situation and needs, and to provide them with the best possible advice and assistance.

Patience

Patience is a virtue that is needed when working as a housing counselor. This is because you will often be dealing with clients who may be stressed out or upset about their housing situation. It is important to be patient with them and to listen to their concerns so that you can help them find a resolution.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. As a housing counselor, you will need empathy to be able to understand your clients' situations and help them find the best possible solution.

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution is the ability to effectively manage and resolve conflicts. This skill is important for housing counselors because they often work with people who are experiencing housing-related problems, which can be a source of conflict. By being able to effectively resolve conflicts, housing counselors can help their clients find solutions to their problems and improve their overall satisfaction with their housing situation.

Stress management

Stress management is the ability to identify and cope with sources of stress in your life. It is important to manage stress in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent burnout.

Time management

Time management is the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize your time in order to achieve a specific goal. As a housing counselor, you need time management skills to be able to meet with clients, keep track of paperwork, and stay organized.

Organizational skills

Organizational skills are important for housing counselors because they need to be able to keep track of a large number of clients and their individual needs. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with landlords, property managers, and other service providers.

Computer literacy

Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and other digital devices to perform basic tasks. This skill is important for housing counselors because they often need to use computers to research housing options, create documents and presentations, and communicate with clients and colleagues.

Research skills

The ability to research is critical for a housing counselor because they need to be able to find information on a variety of topics related to housing. This could include information on local housing market conditions, available resources for low-income families, or government programs that can help with financing a home. A housing counselor needs to be able to find this information quickly and efficiently in order to best serve their clients.

Writing skills

The ability to write well is important for housing counselors because they need to be able to communicate effectively with their clients. They need to be able to explain complicated concepts in a way that is easy for their clients to understand, and they also need to be able to write clear and concise reports.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills that you use to interact with other people. This can include communication, problem solving, and empathy. As a housing counselor, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with your clients in order to help them navigate the often complex process of finding and securing housing. You will also need to be able to problem solve in order to come up with creative solutions to challenges that your clients may face. Finally, it is important to have empathy in order to understand and relate to the experiences of your clients.

How to improve housing counselor skills

As the demand for housing counseling services continues to grow, it is important for counselors to continuously improve their skills. There are many ways to improve housing counselor skills, but some key ways include:

1. Pursuing continuing education and professional development opportunities: There are many online and in-person courses and workshops available that can help counselors stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. Additionally, attending conferences and networking with other professionals can also be beneficial.

2. Developing strong communication skills: Housing counselors need to be able to effectively communicate with clients, landlords, real estate agents, and other professionals. This includes being able to explain complex topics in layman’s terms, being patient when answering questions, and active listening.

3. Learning how to use technology: Technology is becoming increasingly important in the housing counseling field. Counselors need to be proficient in using computers and various software programs, as well as being comfortable conducting research online.

4. Staying organized and efficient: Housing counselors often have to juggle multiple clients and deadlines at once. Therefore, it is essential to develop strong time management and organizational skills. This includes creating systems and processes that work well for you, being able to prioritize tasks, and keeping accurate records.

5. Understanding Fair Housing laws: Fair Housing laws are constantly changing, so it is important for counselors to keep up-to-date on the latest information. Additionally, counselors need to know how to spot potential discrimination issues and know what resources are available to assist clients who may have been a victim of housing discrimination.

How to highlight housing counselor skills

As a housing counselor, you will want to highlight your skills in communication, problem solving, and customer service. You should also be able to show that you are organized and have experience working with different types of people.

On a resume

To highlight your skills as a Housing Counselor on a resume, you should list your experience working with clients to identify and secure housing. You should also list your experience providing counseling and guidance on financial planning, budgeting, and credit repair. Additionally, highlight any skills related to conflict resolution, mediation, and working with diverse populations.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Housing Counselor. Include your experience working with low-income families and individuals, your knowledge of affordable housing options, and your ability to connect people with resources. Also mention your commitment to helping people find stable, safe, and affordable housing.

During an interview

In order to highlight your skills as a Housing Counselor during an interview, you should be prepared to discuss your experience working with clients to help them navigate the housing market. You should be able to speak about your ability to assess a client's needs and connect them with resources that will help them find housing that meets their budget and lifestyle. You should also be able to share examples of how you have helped clients overcome challenges and achieve their housing goals.