HOUSING SPECIALIST

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE

POSTED: 3/25/2024

ABOUT CJA

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 250 employees, citywide. 

PROGRAM SUMMARY

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens, screens targeted defendants for release at criminal court arraignment, subject to specific conditions including maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with the program, participating in an assessment process to identify needs such as substance use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests. 

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional, or developmental challenges, who have been experiencing persistent engagement with the criminal legal system. This person will work with a team of social workers, case managers and peers that serve youth and adult participants mandated to participate in regular supervision sessions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist is an integral part of this team, dedicated to assisting individuals and families secure safe and affordable housing in New York City. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the city's unique housing landscape and be committed to advocating for our clients' housing needs while also sharing the mission of reducing the use of pre-trial detention in our criminal justice system.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Clinical Supervisor, the Housing Specialist’s primary responsibilities are as follows:

• Evaluate clients' housing requirements and develop personalized plans to help them secure suitable housing options within the city.
• Determine clients' eligibility for locally funded housing programs, including subsidies and benefit programs, and guide them through the application process.
• Provide hands-on support to clients in completing applications for permanent housing, ensuring all necessary documentation is included.
• Identify and assist clients in obtaining relevant documents essential for housing applications, such as identification, income verification, and rental history.
• Collaborate with clients on their individual housing plan and offer individualized support throughout their housing search and application process.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of housing resources available in New York City, including listings, programs, and contacts.
• With the Client Care Coordinator, engages in proactive community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities and connect with local agencies and organizations.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government partners and community-based organizations to enhance housing options for our clients.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords to coordinate efforts and ensure holistic client support.
• Accompany clients and families to public assistance and housing-related meetings and appointments, providing necessary support and guidance; schedule and communicate appointments to clients as needed.
• Complete necessary paperwork, including the 2010e application, and schedule appointments with referral organizations for clients.
• Engage in regular case conferences with a multidisciplinary client care team to discuss progress and develop effective strategies around recommending and/or securing housing options.
• Document all client interactions and referrals in a proprietary database, in a timely and accurate manner; assist with generating reports and program evaluation to measure the effectiveness of housing services and identify areas for improvement.

Client Centered Management and Communication

• Communicate with staff comprised of different identities, experiences, and professional disciplines in a respectful manner that acknowledges differences, expertise, and experiences to promote collaboration and improve client outcomes.
• Communicate with clients of diverse populations, needs and experiences in the justice system and other institutions in a respectful manner that acknowledges lived experiences and creates connection.
• Answers questions about our services in an informed and well-resourced way and directs clients and community members to housing resources by making the appropriate referrals.
• Ensure clients are being attended to and supported promptly through careful inquiry and evidence-based tools.

Influencing and Motivating

• Ability to work intensively with clients using goal-based interventions to identify and meet goals surrounding housing.
• Support the client’s self-efficacy by reinforcing their power to make decisions around their goals.
• Guide clients through service planning; recognize and acknowledge the positive changes that are made and continue encouraging behavioral changes along the way.
•  Clearly and concisely communicate with other team members of the mobile team to understand and support the housing needs and goals of the client and collaborate on appropriate next.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Expert Knowledge: Possess in-depth knowledge of state and local housing rules and regulations and programs to include rental assistance programs for low-income households, available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices specific to the New York City housing market.
• 2010e Application: Demonstrated experience in completing 2010e application for clients/families.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required and a minimum of 2 years of experience in benefits navigation and/or housing advocacy, social services, or related fields.
• Alternate requirement: Candidates without a bachelor's degree must have 5 years' experience working with clients who have needs in the areas of mental health, substance use, trauma, violence risk, homelessness, and criminal justice involvement, plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in benefits navigation and/or housing advocacy, social services, or related fields.
• Strong familiarity with housing programs and regulations, including city vouchers, section 8 housing, 2010e applications, transitional housing units, and the private housing market. This must include experience reviewing and processing applications for eligibility or determining eligibility, or responsibility for reading, interpreting, explaining, and applying governmental or institutional rules and regulations.
•  Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to social justice and empowering marginalized communities and justice-involved individuals/families.

Other Desired Qualifications and Expertise

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary setting and field-based case management work that includes knowledge or established relationships with Queens based housing and social service providers.
• Strong commitment to social justice and CJA’s mission and core values.
• Certifications, such as CASAC, CASAC-T, or other SU or MH certifications are preferred.
• Individuals with lived experience in recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both, or experience with homelessness or the NYC shelter system, or the criminal legal system, are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures suggesting improvements or modifications as needed.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

CJA VALUES

Each employee at CJA is guided by these values in our work: 

• Commitment: We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform through initiatives and creative problem-solving that evaluates different methods and strategies for alternatives to detention.
• Fairness: We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained and work with integrity and without bias to protect the privacy and interest of court-involved people and their families.
• Innovation: We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services. We use innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and engaging justice-involved communities to execute our mission of reducing unnecessary pretrial detention. 

LOCATION: Queens, NY 

HOURS: Shift 1: Monday-Friday, 1PM-9PM; Shift 2: Tuesday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM

SALARY: $70,200

*Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply.

BENEFITS

CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health, and wellness (EAP (Employee Assistance Program)) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions. CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development.

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.