Location: Flint, Michigan (Hybrid)
Status: Full-Time, Non-Union, One-Year Contract (with potential renewal)
About Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM)
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit civil law firm which has been providing legal assistance to marginalized community members for more than 60 years. It serves 14 mid-Michigan counties from offices in Flint and Saginaw. The agency’s mission is to provide civil legal services for those who need it the most and have the least access. We work to ensure access to justice and economic stability for the communities we serve. We believe housing stability is a cornerstone of that mission — and we are expanding our efforts to help Flint and Genesee County homeowners maintain secure, affordable homes through property tax relief and advocacy.
Position Overview
LSEM seeks a Housing Counselor to assist Flint and Genesee County residents in applying for the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program. This initiative provides property tax exemptions to eligible low-income homeowners, helping prevent foreclosure and stabilize neighborhoods.
The Housing Counselor will provide direct support to residents completing HOPE applications, conduct community outreach, and coordinate closely with local partners to ensure eligible homeowners receive the help they need. This is a hybrid, full-time, one-year contract position, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one assistance to homeowners seeking property tax exemptions through the HOPE program.
- Conduct client intake, eligibility screening, and documentation review.
- Help clients prepare and complete application packets and supporting documents accurately and on time.
- Educate clients about the HOPE program, property tax processes, and related homeowner support resources.
- Maintain detailed, confidential case records in accordance with LSEM standards and grant requirements.
- Participate in community outreach events, workshops, and informational sessions to promote awareness of the HOPE program in Genesee County, with additional efforts in Saginaw County.
- Coordinate referrals and partnerships with community organizations, city departments, and neighborhood groups in Genesee County.
- Network and explore partnerships with community organizations, city departments, and neighborhood groups in Saginaw County for possible program expansion.
- Track and report client outcomes and program data to support compliance and evaluation efforts.
- Contribute to a collaborative, client-centered environment committed to equity and access to justice.
Qualifications
- Required:
- Associate’s degree in social work, human services, public administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience in housing assistance, case management, social services, or community outreach.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in handling forms and confidential information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using online databases.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work setting.
- Preferred:
- Knowledge of Flint and Genesee County’s housing landscape and community resources.
- Experience working with low-income or vulnerable populations.
- Familiarity with local property tax systems or public benefit programs.
- Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other languages common in Flint).
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid schedule: a combination of remote work and in-person service delivery at LSEM’s Flint office and community sites.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for outreach or workshops.
- Reliable transportation required for local travel.
Salary
Salary is commensurate with qualifications.
Benefits include but are not limited to: paid holidays; paid sick, vacation, and personal days; medical, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; a retirement plan with matched employer contribution; a student loan repayment plan; a professional development allowance; and an annual employer contribution to a flexible spending account.
Application
Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and list of three (3) references to: humanresources@lsem-mi.org. Please include “Housing Counselor” in the subject line of the email.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
LSEM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all potentially qualified applicants to apply.