Viola Jackson Email & Phone Number

Remote

Disaster Recovery CounselorAids in Clients understanding options and successfully navigate the recovery process to include assistance with FEMA aid applications, guidance through the insurance claims process and development of a personalized recovery plan.HUD Certified CounselorAddresses housing instability for households with mortgages and rental agreements by counseling on foreclosure and eviction prevention within guidelines set by mortgage investors and servicers, landlords and property management groups adhering to foreclosure laws and eviction timelines per state. Discusses the causes of instability by reviewing employment, income and/or sources of income, mortgage and rental history, and affordability. Gathers information on fixed and variable expenses to aid in developing an action plan for retention options based on a surplus or a deficit after budget review and consideration of assets . Based on the data collected creates an Action Plan and Plan B to aid in preventing homelessness by identifying areas to cut cost, programs to aid in arrearages and to reduce debt . Advises on loss mitigation and affordable housing options and based on that research conducts an assisted call to the lender, servicer, landlord or property manager on behalf of the household. For individuals and households experiencing homelessness, researches and provides resources for rental assistance, relocation expenses, shelters and affordable housing depending on individuals circumstance and connects those impacted to organizations that can provide high-touch case management.• NFCC Certified• FCRA Certificate

West End, North Carolina, United States

Serves as Agency Administrator for the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) entailing managing user profiles, managing training records for all users, providing training and technical support to users as needed, ensuring data quality standards are met, serving as primary liaison with the City of Asheville’s Lead System Administrator and with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. Directly enters data into HMIS as needed under organization’s programs; monitors HMIS data entry for all programs. Leads data management for Annual Performance Reports (APR), Consolidated Annual Performance, Evaluation Reports, Point- in -Time, and Housing Inventory Count. Problem solves program monthly reporting issues. Responds to data requests from internal and external sources. Works with other program department staff to develop and manage systems to capture and track data to inform program development and evaluation. Serves as a primary liaison for grant reporting as requested. Works with program leaders to develop and maintain dashboard reflecting progress towards outcomes. Researches new trends and practices as requested to inform program development; collaborates with program leaders on operationalizing promising practices. Works with program department staff to develop and track outcomes and performance measures. Audits all client files as needed by grant and department. Provides preparatory support before monitoring visits from funders e.g., U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Works with program department leads to identify training needs and create annual training plan. Provides extensive training to various levels of users on HMIS data collection platforms and their respective reporting features. Remains conversant with all applicable laws, policies, regulations, and guidelines as it pertains to HUD’s HMIS standards and regulations.

North Carolina, United States

Generates reports and runs complex queries using NACA’s reporting system Lynx. Coordinates the management of 7,000 program participants from intake to exit. Supervises a team of four Economic Justice Advocates, audits the files within their caseloads, trains on resources and advises on how to effectively counsel the member. Makes recommendation to build program capacity, performs quality checks and implements new methods and processes to alleviate congestion hindering the execution of the program. Ensures advocates are meeting metrics that are outlined for evaluations and performance reviews; reports to management in various formats (i.e., a spreadsheet, PDF, chart and or document). Performs daily administrative functions, such as conducting research to identify possible funding opportunities as well as daily updates to Financial Assistance Provider List. Advises management, employees, and supervisors on national housing trends to provide the most effective and efficient way forward to meet the organization's grant management goals; and ensures a satisfactory experience with employee’s interaction with organization’s members. Assists in implementing workload management policies, instructions, and procedures across area of responsibility to ensure an efficient and effective program. Follow-up with the interactions and availability of funds for the resources provided to the member. Mediates between landlord and tenant. Holds organizations accountable for any negligence in the handling of the member, for untimely processing of applications, delays in releasing funds and poor customer service. Reaches out to program directors and local official to report the mishandling. Will call to action for protest per NACA policy, if need be. Closes files for exit after housing stability is achieved.

North Carolina, United States

Expert on the rental and mortgage assistance programs in all 50 states including the specific program(s) and criteria. Made best efforts to work with the various programs to get access to contacts within the service provider’s organization, ensured financial assistance is available and advocated for tenants and homeowners who submitted applications. Responsible for direct measurements or data or information generation, performance modeling, compilation of data or information for program documents; and data or information supporting the design, construction, and implementation of the program for team members. Assisted members during their housing search to rent within their affordability and eligibility. Maintained communication during the member’s housing search, reviews eligibility. Advocated for her or him if the tenant or homeowner was not able to obtain assistance and continues to be at risk including actions against a non-cooperative landlord or lender. Advocacy included outreach, demonstrating at their homes or other locations. Implemented NACA’s policy of holding the decision makers (i.e., landlords or lenders) personally accountable for their actions and asserted actions necessary in preventing the eviction or foreclosure. Advised on fair housing rights. Advised on state and local laws regarding eviction process. Explained and counseled on critical fair housing laws, regulations, and guidance to assure members were in compliance with properties and or entities receiving federal funding (i.e., housing authorities, LIHTC properties, USDA rural housing, private-landlords or other administering public housing programs). Counseled on response(s) to landlords and courts before and during the eviction process. Created an Action Plan for housing stability. Pulled credit for financial management and budget counseling. Top performer in meeting metrics geared toward performance indicators such as revenue per client for intakes, counseling completes and closed files.

North Carolina, United States

Managed pipeline of members to provide comprehensive, individual credit and budgeting counseling to members in NACA’s homebuyer program; NACA has over 2 million members. Helped members overcome roadblocks preventing them from qualifying for a mortgage loan to purchase a home. Ensured effective and timely communication, explained requirements, requested necessary documents, assessed readiness for homeownership, and determined an affordable mortgage payment considering each member’s particular circumstances and goals. Worked with members to address and improve their financial management skills to assistance being able to demonstrate payment shock (the difference between the member’s current rent payment and future mortgage) on bank statements. Worked with Members to be qualified for the NACA Mortgage or other mortgages based on NACA’s comprehensive policies and procedures. Provided a clear direction for a path towards developed a realistic monthly budget through, reviewed payment history, liabilities, assets, and other criteria to determine readiness (i.e., debt-to-income ratio and housing ratio). Defined a plan for the member to save the minimum required funds. Determined a maximum affordable mortgage payment (PITI) and defined a path to achieve Member’s homeownership purchase price goal. Calculated a monthly cash flow surplus and Payment Shock to established Member’s expected affordable mortgage payment, which could be higher than their current rent. Calculated buy-down to decrease interest rate. Examined and processed documents and worked with underwriter to address conditions ensured action items were addressed to submit file for bank qualification conditions (if any) within 48 hours. Worked with Members through NACA Qualification. Worked with NACA’s client management system (CMS) NACA-Lynx, to accurately complete documentation and data entry for efficient and paperless qualification.

Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

Built entry-point using Cognito Forms programmatic system as entry point for program application to serve the State of Mississippi. Protected client information to maintain compliance with data privacy regulations by incorporating the security and compliance feature. Produced stronger and more useful findings by investigating the links between activities, the delivery of the initiative, its implementation, procedures, personnel, etc. and impacts but also investigated links along the causal chain between activities, outputs, intermediate outcomes and impacts; concerned with the assessment of the immediate effects of the intervention and corresponding measurement of intervention objectives. Assisted managers and other decision makers to evaluate the appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness of the program; decided whether case managers should continue at current levels, increase initiatives, reduce efforts toward non-prioritized task, or discontinue the implementation of non-effective policy or procedures or existing processes. Reported the impact on the program’s participants and enhanced the chance initiatives, goals and objectives were being achieved. Responsible for financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, compliance, grant reporting, personnel management and quality assurance, work operations of one or more organizational segments ensuring program requirements and objectives were met. Demonstrated competency across local, federal and state program disciplines, specifically applied the essential elements of core business principles to analyze and evaluate problems and to construct and implement solutions. Demonstrated critical thinking, specifically employed appropriate analytical models and applied critical reasoning processes to evaluate evidence, select among alternatives, and generate creative options in furtherance of effective decision making. Trained staff on program implementation. Approximately 2500 program participants.

Gulfport, Mississippi, United States

Provided informal counseling, information, and referrals; coordinated volunteer opportunities, linked support services with outside service agencies, negotiated services to be provided, and monitored provision of services as needed. Explained and applied critical fair housing laws, regulations, and guidance to assure compliance in HUD's multifamily, housing choice voucher (HCV), and assisted and public housing programs. Worked in conjunction with manager(s) to empower residents aging- in -place to remain as independent and self-reliant as possible; worked with insurance providers (MEDICAD/MEDICARE/) for house maintenance and health care needs. Coordinated with Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program coordinators, organized provider events and job fair. Managed nine-hundred-thirty (930) RAD units in ten (10) counties of South Mississippi and six-thousand-seven-hundred-seventy-three (6,773) Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) in fourteen (14) counties that provided rental assistance for families renting property owned by private landlords. Utilized tools to understand how to assist a family in moving to economic and housing stability. Utilized essential steps in case management, key housing and economic self-sufficiency strategies, community collaboration, problem solving, crisis management, program assessment, and case studies. Determined the self-sufficiency standard in the communities served. Implemented key self-sufficiency strategies, community collaboration, resources and referrals, conducted program assessment, case studies and made recommendations for program. Identified essential behaviors necessary to establish trust within the housing authorities, with residents in housing, and with service partners in the community.

Gulfport, Mississippi, United States

Case managed and followed up with participants throughout federal programs with partnering agency Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Managed three counties for a total of approximately 3500 clients. Explained TANF as a workforce development and training program. Developed action plan to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency through employment and training activities provided by the TANF Work Program (TWP); for participants to receive supportive services. Recruited, monitored, and followed-up with participants enrolled in TWP. Ensured participant eligibility. Moved low-income families from public assistance to self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance along with work readiness, training, and job placement services; attempted to end the dependency of requesting government benefits through work, job preparation, and financial management. Conducted workshops for program awareness and orientations for new clients. Outreach to community employers for participants on a contractual basis; contacted employers for applicants whom a suitable job is not currently available for possible apprenticeships or internships to meet program participation requirement. Matched clients with available employment, training, or other opportunities/services. Contacted public and private employers to develop on-the-job training and/or direct job placement sites for clients. Identified problems and/or barriers that hindered employability. Interpreted and explained regulations, rules, policies, and procedures to clients. Determined client eligibility for services, apprised clients of their rights, benefits, responsibilities, and obligations under program participation. Maintained cooperative relationships with employers, academic and vocational training institutions, and community service providers. Accurately entered necessary information into automated system(s.) Participated in training, pilot and other special projects, committees, and studies.

Gulfport, Mississippi, United States

Performed a wide range of professional assignments in an employment security office geared towards workforce development. Assigned to interview, occupationally classify, and place applicants in jobs and in training; provided various manpower services to employers; promoted the use of all local employment service resources; contacted employers and promoted the continued use of the employment service. Interviewed job applicants to determine occupational qualifications for placement. Interviewed, advised, and guided a diverse population of clients to ascertain employment. Assessed client's education, skills, abilities, qualifications, and job interest. Assessed client readiness for job referral, classroom training, on-the-job training, and/or support services Analyzed work experience, personal characteristics, and other factors; evaluated information for placement purposes; and assigned the correct occupational code. Evaluated applicants' needs job and career development to increase marketability (i.e., testing, coursework, or additional training), and arranged for services to meet these needs. Advised applicants on labor market conditions and requirements in specific occupational or industrial fields. Obtained job orders from employers and applied job analysis techniques to determine job content, skills and abilities required and other data necessary for selection of qualified workers. Obtained labor market and occupational information and compiled and analyzed this information to prepare labor market reports. Provided vocational guidance and rendered special service to veterans, youth, older workers, handicapped, and other special applicant groups. assisted with and/or took claims for unemployment compensation; and assisted with unemployment denials. Provided information to unemployment compensation claimants, interviews claimants, takes claims, and/or records facts bearing on claimants' potential eligibility.

Gulfport, Mississippi, United States

Provided direct client services in the areas of GED counseling, conducted client needs assessment, researched vocational opportunities, program eligibility, and/or job development/placement; and performed related duties as required. Prepared at-risk youth age group 16-24 for the high school equivalent diploma (GED) and prepared high school graduates for the workforce. Worked with The National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a voluntary 17-month dropout recovery program that helps at-risk youths earn their high school diploma or GED as an initiative to offer credit recovery which allowed youth the opportunity to return to high school upon successful completion of Youth Challenge. Taught GED curriculum on Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. Determined learning objectives and task learning relationships, cluster learning events, organized course content, and developed instructional design plans. Utilized research data to develop curriculum plans incorporating the latest available data. Prepared, administered, analyzed, and validated exams, lesson plans, audiovisual aids, and texts for classroom instruction. Developed, maintained, updated/modified, and adapted study guides, visual aids, written tests, training aids, and course outlines for formal course use. Developed instructional material methodologies, which included order of presentation, level of interaction, feedback, and remediation. Ensured all training materials were current and in good accordance academic accreditation. Used desktop publishing software to draft, edit, and layout, design, print, and distribute instructional and training materials. Employed highly polished platform teaching skills which included demonstration-performance, lectures, and guided discussion. Administered, graded, and critique tests, appraisals, and progress checks in accordance with course control documents, training directives, and established testing procedures.

Gulfport, Mississippi, United States

HMIS lead for in the six southern-most counties of Mississippi: Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, George, and Pearl River Counties. Collaborated funding and planning approaches to provide a full range of emergency, transitional and permanent housing, along with prevention and other services that addressed the needs of homeless and at-risk persons. Assisted individuals and families regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. Managed budget and eligible costs and programmatic requirements for rapid re-housing assistance administered under the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program and the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program. Commonly used budgetary methods for payment for services provide through the program. Formulated, justified, and executed assigned budget to support the mission, structure, goals, work processes to support the programs’ activities such as rental arrears, utilities arrears, rent payments, security and utilities deposits and moving cost. Gathered, assembled, and organized required documentation to release funds to program’s applicants. Inspected units chosen by approved applicants to ensure unit was up to code and reported any needed repairs, discussed concerns, and reviewed terms of lease. Worked with property manager, realtors, and landlords. Inspected potential housing units. Conducted unit inspections ensuring compliance with building standards (determined by the organization) and local building codes as it pertains to housing quality standards. Identified deficiencies according to inspection booklet and provide a list of unit deficiencies to both landlord, tenant, and executive director. Recorded all findings and deficiencies referencing both the organization and HUD inspection requirements. When requirements were not met, sent written notification to the landlord with re-inspection date and time. Provide information and technical assistance to landlords as it pertained to the inspection process.

Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

Managed coordinated entry for organization and partnering continuum of care Open Doors Homeless Coalition for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing. Homeless Information System (HMIS) lead. Aided families or individuals in finding services or coping mechanisms. Client base included victims of abuse, neglect, or other difficult family situations. Provided effective supervision, coaching, and mentorship to 215 volunteers for a total 2417.84 total hours. Enrolled 1,449 new clients, served 2,879 clients, assisted 131 Veterans and 102 disabled clients. Referred client, or family to community resources to assist in managing mental or physical disorders, homelessness, or other unforeseen circumstances and provided access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education inquiries. Interviewed and counseled individuals, families, and groups to evaluate need and obtainable goals to secure housing and self-sufficiency Conducted in-take procedures for new clients, including any applications needed to proceed with the agreed upon service need for the client followed-up and updated information for tracking program success and initiatives in HMIS system (information used for grants). Provided information and awareness of availability of and access to low-cost products or services. Increased the awareness of available services through government assistance programs and transportation options for commutes, worked closely with transit service during cold/hot weather advisories and after natural disasters. Coordinated responses between civic, religious, governmental, and other organizations. Investigated and met client needs on a daily basis and expedited solutions (i.e., custom trainings, development changes, client support prioritization, etc.)

Meridian, Mississippi, United States

In times of natural disaster(s): worked with Vice President of Asset Operations to develop and maintain systems to assist regional team asset managers and analysts in the effective performance of their responsibilities. Reviewed and analyze Asset Manager submissions of cost certification analyses, stabilized occupancy analyses, and adjuster models to ensure payment benchmarks have been met. Assisted with the process of collecting and reviewing Asset Management portfolio data required for department use. Tracked and maintain life-cycle project data portfolio-wide including, but not limited to place in service, qualified occupancy stabilized occupancy, and debt service to ensure accuracy and consistency. Monitored the collection and input of site visit reports, quarterly financials, rent rolls, and quarterly status reports and act as asset department liaison with regional staff. Compile progress and exception reports. Developed customized reports and analyses of project and portfolio level data. Ensured adherence to performance standards with the goal of meeting program objectives and customer service level agreements within the FEMA project for quality and performance standards. Researched inquiries using various tools, databases, written materials, and the web to provide knowledgeable responses to inquiries. Ensured adherence to performance standards with the goal of meeting program objectives and customer service level agreements within the FEMA project. Monitored call volume and staffing data to ensure workers perform in accordance with established quality and performance standards. Researched inquiries using various tools, databases, written materials, and the web to provide knowledgeable responses to inquiries. Entered and managed program databases to compile demographics, track services, assess data quality, and uploaded information into the VA’s Repository System. Planned, recruited, and coordinated a volunteer workforce for branches spanning 13 counties.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States

Conducted nightly audit-related duties while providing guest service at the motel’s front desk. Booked guest reservations and kept guest ledger organized. Attended to guest needs such as guest check-in/check-outs, reservations, special requests, and complaints; processed guest registrations, including collecting payment. Communicated all pertinent shift information to General Manager and other desk staff. Trained, supervised, and evaluated housekeeping staff. Audit responsibilities included nightly balancing duties and shift reports. Made nightly cash deposits, logged bank statements, monitored, and submitted daily reports, organized, and verified receipts; identified, researched, and corrected discrepancies. Performed bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing of numerical data to keep financial records complete and accurate at all times. Checked the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers. Performed nightly balancing of in-room video and long-distance telephone services. Performed nightly backup of server. Prepared express checkout folios, maintained room status inventory, and performed key inventory. Ensured all end-of-day activities were executed by employees in all departments. Processed invoices, posted checks to vendors, reconciled accounts, balanced the cash drawer and log receipts, and investigated and resolved out-of-balance accounts. Reconciled credit card transactions and financial records for bookkeeping, verified all revenue and expenses were claimed and prepared reports for the next day's work. Ensured assets were secure through appropriate control measures and financial records meet all legal standards for accuracy.

Petal, Mississippi, United States

Provided customer support through proactive and diligent resolution of outstanding deductions and proper maintenance for each account in portfolio using QuickBooks. Billed customers and distributed invoices via email and online. Set up recurring invoices and applied cash receipts for customer payments. Prepared weekly AR and collection reports. Responded to AR inquiries, customer disputes and complaints; issuing customer credit memos, if needed, upon approval. Researched delinquent accounts and performed collection duties including emails and phone calls for past due invoices. Prepares weekly bank reconciliation. Supported the order- to cash process by applying company collection policies and procedures in a manner that resulted in the sound conversion of receivables into cash; maintained a minimum of past dues for assigned accounts. Maintained collection files and documented collection activity as warranted and in accordance with policy. Recommended, negotiated, and carried out collection action plans for past due accounts. Reviewed and analyzed customer payment trends and made recommendations for resolution. Ensured proper account maintenance including account reconciliation, resolution of open chargebacks, credits, and unapplied cash. Processed credit memos within authority parameters and the application of necessary adjustments and offsets. Kept all key stakeholders, including sales and credit management informed of any problematic accounts receivable issues. Served as a liaison with any third-party finance provider as needed. Performed weekly review of over-credit line report and worked to mitigate over limit situations. Created and submitted retroactive rate adjustment invoices periodically. * Reconcile customer automatic payments on a weekly/monthly basis.

Petal, Mississippi, United States

Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies for assigned property. Developed strategies to market property, recruit new tenants, maximize occupancy, and minimize vacancies. Analyzed operations, troubleshot operational deficiencies, and implemented corrective solutions to achieve and maintain the highest level of quality tenant/resident service standards while optimizing operational efficiency and profitability. Maintained 97% occupancy, recommending measures to be taken, including move-in specials, lease incentives, and marketing programs to achieve acceptable lease-up of property. Responsible for functions occupancy and physical property. Met potential tenants, showed the property, and assessed their applications in accordance with anti-discrimination laws. Advertised vacant properties. Inspected properties and arranged for repairs and new materials as required. Established systems to maximizing rental income and maintained asset. Managed the day-to-day operations of two subsidized multi-family properties at levels adequate to cover debt service, reasonable project operating expenses, and return on investment(s). Arranged contracts for maintenance, trash removal, landscaping, security and other ongoing services and managed disputes with these service providers where appropriate. Collected rent and other property fees from tenants. Payed property expenses, including taxes, mortgages, payroll, insurance premiums and maintenance costs. Reported the property’s financial status, occupancy and expiring leases to property owners. Investigated and resolved property complaints and rental violations.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States

Analyzed administrative problems under high degree of independent judgment in the establishment, interpretation, application and enforcement of statutes, rules, regulations, and policies. Assisted in implementation of three primary functions: Community Development, Metropolitan Planning Organization and Geographic Information System (GIS). Managed departmental budget of above city departments. Worked with the program associates as needed to compile information for dashboards, spreadsheets, and specialized reports. Monitored and coordinated tasks related to contracts. Worked with Program Officers to compile and summarize planned contracts and grant-related spending for Director Program Officers’ pre-approval. Supported document management and storage of document repositories. Identified operational requirements, assessed impact on assignments, and developed recommendations for changes and revisions as appropriate. Engaged in departmental strategic plan formulation, development, and execution. Managed departmental budget(s). Inspected rehabilitation and revitalization projects within the community. Conduct unit inspections ensuring compliance with building standards and local building codes. Recorded all findings and deficiencies referencing HUD inspection requirements. If all requirements were not met, sent written notification with re-inspection date and time. Provided information and technical assistance as it pertained to the inspection process.

Master'S Of Science

Industrial Technology and Workforce Development (12 hours) IE 500 Research in Industrial & Occupational Education 3 hrs. IE 579 Federal &.

Minor, Computer Information Systems, 3.5

BUS 202 - Programming I Credit Hours: 3 BUS 303 - Programming II Credit Hours: 3 BUS 312 - Data Communication and Networks Credit Hours: 3.

Bachelor'S Of Science, Business Administration And Management, General, 3.5

ACC 221 - Principles of Accounting I ACC 222 - Principles of Accounting II and ACC 320 - Managerial Accounting or ACC 332 Cost Accounting.