SUMMARY & SCOPE OF POSITION:

The Housing Counselor will report directly to the Housing Director and be responsible for working directly with and assisting Tribal members to learn and acquire skills necessary to achieve homeownership.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represents the Housing Department regarding homeownership activities prioritized for tribal members who are learning the process to accomplish homeownership;

Completion of reports, such as monthly reports to the Tribal Council, Tribal Members, Tribal Administrator, and/or other agencies and organizations as required;

Develop and provide feasibility analysis on the cost for acquisition and/or design of affordable housing projects to accomplish homeownership for tribal members;

Develops strategies and goals consistent with the Tribe's mission for quality, affordable housing, and administration of all program's;

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; keeps abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of housing assistance programs, continuing changes in detailed HUD policies and procedures relating to Housing programs and local sector housing market conditions as needed for improved services to Tribal members;

Develops and maintains relationships with a variety of officials, agencies, and organizations;

Assists with policy development relating to new construction and rehabilitation including but not limited to the eligibility of unit, eligibility of family, the suitability of site;

Assure compliance with all applicable procurement requirements;

Conducts inspections of current Housing units and works with Tribal Members who may need assistance with past due rents, tenant-related issues, and other matters concerning the rental properties;

Assists with and recommends site infrastructure to assure quality control during proposed construction and estimates of costs for rehabilitation, prepare final inspection reports as required;

Assists with, reviews, and may approve requests as directed by Housing Director for payment from contractors, suppliers, vendors, in route to Fiscal department as appropriate;

Within the scope of the general activities not specifically described above, performs other duties assigned by Housing Director and/or Tribal Administrator;

Participates in opportunities for staff career development in areas of housing, development, and program services;

Schedules regular and quarterly tenant training for a variety of topics including housekeeping, financial management, preparation for homeownership, creditworthiness, etc. relevant to opportunities for homeownership;

Researches, reviews, and proposes programs available through grants, loans, and other funding mechanisms to the Housing Director as needed;

Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of US Department of Housing Urban Development and Native American Indian Housing and Self Determination Act as they relate to Indian Housing and affordable housing projects for purchase, development, and construction;

Knowledge of applicable section of current Code of Federal Regulations, operating handbooks and revisions thereto, and building codes and standards for funding agencies and/or organizations;

Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate activities related to housing program activities;

Ability to write clearly and speak effectively to residents, applicants, clients, and/or groups;

Knowledge of fundamentals of eligibility determination and uniform physical condition standards;

Knowledge of principles of budget preparation and control;

Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations;

Ability to travel and act as a representative as designated by the immediate supervisor with HUD, Federal and state offices; to effectively communicate and liaison in person with tribal residents and representatives, government, and the public; and to correspond effectively to maintain good working relationships with HUD, contractors, federal, state, local and tribal governments, and the public;

Specific experience in accessing funding opportunities for the advancement of programs, including direct involvement in writing grant applications and grant management;

Familiarity with Tribal government, customs, and practices, or comparable experiences;

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma and/or GED required;

A Bachelor's degree in administration, management, housing, or similar area of study is preferred;

Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible Indian housing or community development experience with a Tribe, Public, or private agency which preferably may include construction experience;

Any additional years of relevant administrative or management position experience;

Must have Indian Housing counseling and/or knowledge and experience;

Willingness to attend training seminars/workshops to expand working knowledge of Indian housing programs and housing counseling;

Ability to travel and meet Tribal vehicle insurance requirements including possession of a valid Driver's License;

Hiring is subject to Section 7(b) of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b);

Must manage time well and work under stressful conditions with an even temperament including with tribal members on daily basis;

Must successfully pass a background check and drug test; 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. Must be able to multitask and complete tasks as given. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk, and hear. There are prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well as driving or riding in transport vehicles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with vendors and staff. The employee must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. 

MENTAL DEMANDS: 

There are several deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with a wide variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues. 

PRCI TRIBAL PREFERENCE: 

For purposes of hiring, promotions, transfers, and training all candidates must possess the ''Minimum Qualifications" stated in the job description or job announcement. Minimum Qualifications are defined as those entry-level qualifications essential to the performance of the basic responsibilities for each job category, including but not limited to education, training, specific work experience, employment record, and physical skills (where applicable). Preference shall be given with respect to personnel decisions, layoffs, recalls, promotions, transfers, training, and hiring. First, enrolled Tribal Members who meet the Minimum Qualifications shall not be denied if another individual at a lower preference has higher qualifications than are necessary for the position. Second, after preference is provided to enrolled Tribal Members, Native Americans who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe other than Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians shall be provided preference over equally qualified non-Indian candidates, however, if the non-Indian candidate is more qualified, a business decision may be made to hire or promote the best candidate. If more than one person at the same preference level meets the Minimum Qualifications the decision-makers shall have discretionary authority to make the appropriate business decision in the best interest of the Tribe. Accordingly, when preparing job descriptions or job announcements care should be taken to establish qualifications that fit the desired needs of the position.

INDIAN PREFERENCE STATEMENT:

Under CFR 25, Part 276 and by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Section 701(b) and 703(i), preference in filling all vacancies provided to qualified PRCI Tribal Members and/or other American Indian/Alaska Native Candidates.