FAIR HOUSING ASSISTANT

The Fair Housing Assistant of the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan (FHCSWM) is primarily responsible office coordination, community referrals and intake of fair housing allegations and cases in our nine-county service area. Secondary responsibilities include project work for the Center across all departments. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities (established by the Executive Director) The Fair Housing Assistant’s duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Using existing forms to draft correspondence when necessary
• Assist in the gathering of materials, information, research for reports, presentations, meetings, etc.
• Oversee general office keeping
• Assist in the planning, organizing, and coordinating in-person and virtual training events, webinars, and meetings
• Assist in the management of all social media accounts
• Taking housing discrimination inquiries in person, over the phone, and via email
• Following up with clients as appropriate
• Establish and maintain case files
• Accurately inputting information into the Center’s case management system
• Participate in/represent the Fair Housing Center at meetings, community resource fairs, volunteer fairs, and other outreach opportunities
• Any other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Must support and embrace inclusion and anti-racism philosophies and be willing to discuss issues related to race, disability, and other related topics
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to patiently listen and empathize with callers is essential

• Has the demonstrated ability to work independently
• Has demonstrated an ability to work collaboratively with others in a challenging environment
• Has experience working with diverse community groups
• Has the demonstrated ability to achieve results while efficiently managing multiple projects
• Has demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Has the demonstrated public speaking and writing abilities to convey information accurately and effectively
• Ability to multi-task
• Fair Housing knowledge or experience is not required.

Preferred Qualifications (but not required): 

• Has knowledge of Spanish/Arabic/Burmese social service agencies SW Michigan

• Preferred bilingual and/or proficiency with the Spanish/Arabic/Burmese; has demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish/Arabic/Burmese

• Experience performing legal analysis and/or experience with social justice in Southwest Michigan is a plus, but not required

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and work experience

PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the abilities to speak and hear, finger dexterity, and visual acuity. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, as necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions of the assignment.

Hours: Position is full time. Hours may vary from week to week as a result of deadlines and position requirements. In-state travel expected; some out-of-state travel likely.  

Other: A criminal background check is required due to federal funding requirements and potential involvement in litigation. The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position. 

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

COMPENSATION

Seeking one Part-time or Full-time* (36-40 hours a week), salary ($15-17/hr.) plus benefits. This is a grant funded position and position is subject to the availability of grant funds.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Monday, October 31, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. EST.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you possess all or some of these attributes, please send a cover letter, resume, and professional references and apply via the link.

The Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Center does not discriminate against any person in matters of employment, application for employment, and/or benefits on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, height, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation.