My New Job…

Yesterday, I told the world about me getting a new AmeriCorps job and how it is the next step in my work life.  This blog is going to be describing that new job and what I’ll be doing.  Starting September 20, 2010, I’ll be starting my new job as the Center for Financial Stability (CFS) Housing Support Specialist.  That’s a mouth full!  But before I start then, I have a two day training on Monday, August 30, and Tuesday, August 31 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Can’t wait for this training.  A blog about this training will be forthcoming next week.  But my hours are basically the same from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  But since I’ll be going in early, I’ll be starting at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  This is an AmeriCorps, which means I’ll be getting a stipend rather than a paycheck but it will be a bigger stipend than what I’m getting now.  It’s basically a $7,400 raise for the year.  Yeah, I know but still.  It’s more money than what I’m currently getting but this isn’t about money for me.  It’s about getting on my feet and staying out of homelessness.  That’s what this current job has given me.  This next job I’m doing gives me more experience to get my work life back on track.  I couldn’t be more happier than I am right now about this opportunity.  So, what will I’ll be doing?  Well, follow me as I tell you.

The position description is that the CFS program seeks to help low-income households achieve greater financial stability through an integrated system of workforce development services, work supports, and financial services.  So, another words, I’ll be responsible for connection families to appropriate housing services, seeking out community housing resources, and providing tenant education/counseling services.  Other responsibility includes:

• Assess individuals and family needs in order to determine appropriate type of housing services needed
• Assist customers in applying for appropriate housing services
• Make appropriate housing service referrals and follow up on referrals
• Connect families to community resources such as food, clothing, transportation, housing assistance, and utility assistance
• Jointly develop a housing plan of action with participant to address and meet his/her family’s needs
• Maintain case notes for each customer to reflect his or her plan of action is being followed according to program procedure and guidelines
• Administer monthly tenant education classes
• Provide support to Family Center Case Managers and Resource Advocates
• Work in collaboration with Financial Stability Navigation Specialist, Center for Employment Training staff and Financial Services staff to ensure effective integration of services and customer referrals
• In a regular and timely manner, enter services and data into CFS tracking systems and generate monthly reports
• Participate in trainings and meetings
• Other tasks as needed

I don’t think there is a single job that doesn’t have that last responsibility that is right above this sentence in their description?  The famous “Other tasks as needed”.  No more saying “that’s not in my job description”.  Guess what?  It is!  It just under “Other tasks as needed”.  Got to love that.  This job is going to be a challenge but I’m up for this challenge.  What I will like most about this job is working with the actual individuals and/or families.  So, I can’t wait until September 20 to start this job but there is also another date I can’t wait for either?  That’s October 23 – 28, 2010!  Anybody want to guess what that date will be?  I’ll give you a hint.  It’s going to be another blog post other than the blog post I said above.  To the person that guess, gets free dinner.  *lol*

So, I’m excited and cant wait!

TL