Family Self-Sufficiency; FSS

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Vice President of Client Services, the FSS Specialist is responsible for developing and delivering a broad range of counseling and referral services for residents of all ages and conditions within FWHS’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. This position performs a variety of tasks including planning, implementing, and monitoring activities, and documenting and reporting program results. The FSS Specialist works loosely with the Home ownership Coordinator.

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Establishes and maintains contact with public and private community agencies that provide services and support to the FSS program.
• Coordinates FWHS’s efforts to make families self‑sufficient with social, community, and other public agencies that provide assistance to the FSS program.
• Organizes the agenda and participates in meetings that provide residents information on the FSS program.
• Recruits FSS participants and conducts orientation to inform interested and selected participants about FSS program goals and objectives.
• Conducts onboarding of new FSS participants including one‑on‑one interviews, contract preparation, and needs assessments, then provides referrals to appropriate services.
• Assists FSS participants in preparing applications and forms for school grants and scholarships.
• Counsels and advises FSS participants concerning the participants’ goals and objectives, action plans, and resources.
• Locates testing facilities to help FSS participants in choosing a career field and in job placement.
• Provides counseling and monitors family progress and compliance with FSS participation contract.
• Works with educational and training entities to coordinate and refine FSS admission requirements and procedures for monitoring FSS participants.
• Works with Texas Employment Commission and other employment programs to expand employment opportunities for FSS participants and other FWHS program participants.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on results of FSS program by individual participant and submits to HUD.
• Calculates escrow amounts and initiates the disbursement of final and interim escrow withdrawals.
• Composes forms, reports, letters, and similar documents, and establishes and maintains files on FSS participants.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate’s degree in social sciences or related field and three (3) years’ experience in public housing, counseling, or social work; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Comprehensive knowledge of pertinent HUD regulations on the FSS program and public housing management, and comprehensive knowledge of Authority policies and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of social work and resources available through community agencies.
• Ability to address the public and present information in a clear, concise and convincing manner.
• Ability to deal effectively with situations that require tact and diplomacy, yet firmness.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with other employees, residents and community agencies and other entities that provide services.
• Ability to follow routines, set deadlines, and work independently to ensure compliance.
• Ability to travel to meetings and presentations within the Fort Worth metropolitan area.

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and have a clean driving record (fewer than 3 moving violations in the last 3-year period) and must maintain licensure and clean driving record for the duration of employment.
• Employee must be eligible for coverage under…