Job Summary

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is seeking a Family Services Coordinator who will report to the Family Services Manager.  This is an exciting opportunity to help Habitat Greater Boston build and expand upon its service to low-income families by helping them to achieve economic success and break generational cycles of poverty through our homeownership program.  There are more than 100 families in the Habitat program and we expect that number to continue to increase at the rate of approximately five each year.

The Family Services Coordinator will work closely with the Family Services Manager and will assist in all family services functions, including family selection, family education and support, and research and data collection. They will be expected to work collaboratively with other Habitat departments and our many volunteers.

Some specific responsibilities include the following:

• Condominium Operation

Habitat Greater Boston’s building model mainly consists of the construction of condominiums. The Family Services Coordinator will assist the Family Services Manager in ensuring that these condo associations, both current and future, are properly maintained, including timely payment of bills and deposits of fees.

• Family Selection Process

One of the most important functions performed by Habitat Greater Boston is the selection of potential candidates for the Habitat program.  Habitat Greater Boston has a dedicated all-volunteer Family Selection Committee who depends on the organization to recruit families for its consideration. The Family Services Coordinator will assist in screening applications as well as shepherding potential partner families through the application and homesteader process as they work to become homeowners.

• Education and “Sweat Equity” Programs

Habitat “homesteaders” must contribute 300 hours of work to the organization – at a Habitat construction site or the ReStore – in order to qualify to purchase a home from us.  They are also required to attend a 10-class education program about real estate matters, laws, condominium management, effective communication, and responsible financial behavior. The Family Services Coordinator will shepherd these families through the process and be available to them for scheduling their hours and general communication.

• Research and Data Collection

Create and implement an outreach strategy that enables homeowners to give Habitat feedback on various aspects of the program. Combined with external data on the Boston housing market, low-income family needs and other data, this original data will be used in future publications, fundraising efforts and grant applications, and should result in recommendations on new programs or resources needed in the family selection and/or homeowner stages of the program.

• Resource Coordination

Identify and coordinate additional resources and programs for Habitat homeowners that will help them to maintain and pay for their homes and gain additional economic success, through research of and meetings with local organizations. A key component of this is publishing a quarterly homeowner newsletter as a means of making these resources known and available to homeowners.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in social work and/or community planning and organizing.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, urban planning or other related field, or pursuing a degree in a relevant field
• Knowledge of Boston-area social service agencies and programs and a desire to work with diverse low-income populations.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent communication skills, compassion for others, and experience working as a member of team.

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is dedicated to building simple, low-cost homes in partnership with low-income families who need decent and affordable housing. We believe homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty. Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

To Apply:

• Send your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you’re interested in working with our families and how you will contribute to Habitat’s mission and benefit from your experience here.
• Your materials should be emailed to hiring@habitatboston.org. Please put your full name and “Family Services Coordinator” in the subject line.

Applications will be considered as they are received, until the position is filled.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer.