Position: Housing Specialist

Department: Morivivi

Location: Bronx

Reports To: Morivivi Program Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Model: Hybrid

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) partners with Latinx communities to end gender-based violence. Created as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has always centered survivors in its leadership and has worked to create a community of staff that reflects the rich national, ethnic and racial diversity of the communities it serves. VIP runs four non-residential social service programs, two residential shelter and housing programs, and a robust community engagement team.

The Moriviví Residential Program is a 51-bed scattered site safe dwelling. The goal of this program is to provide short-term shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Supportive services offered at Morivivi include individual counseling, support groups, case management, children’s services, housing advocacy, and referrals for educational/vocational facilities and job preparation. Morivivi promotes healing, empowerment, and self-sufficiency while providing a safe and supportive environment free from violence.

The Housing Specialist is responsible for assessing and prioritizing resident needs related to public benefits and housing options. The Specialist will support clients by assessing eligibility for benefits, submitting applications, advocating for optimal results and faster responses, and exploring all potential longer-term housing options. The Housing Specialist will also conduct educational workshops for groups, coordinate activities, and provide information regarding all new or revised benefits and housing options. The Housing Specialist will identify systemic and individual service gaps and advocate on behalf of shelter residents to address those issues. The ideal candidate brings extensive knowledge of and experience with systems navigation, and strong skills to build positive relationships with other service providers, community-based organizations, and government entities. The candidate must have a collaborative approach to working with survivors and colleagues. The Specialist reports to the Program Manager at Morivivi and works closely with a 6-person team of shelter advocates and facilities staff.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments with shelter residents to identify economic goals and determine eligibility for benefits and housing assistance;
• Support residents to achieve their goals by connecting to educational and vocational opportunities;
• Assist residents in completing housing applications (NYCHA; CITYFHEPS, private housing, etc.);
• Advocate for full access to benefits and housing assistance, including advocacy by phone, accompaniment to appointments, and via written correspondence;

• Coordinate and facilitate educational workshops for residents regarding systems navigation and self-advocacy;

• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports, and statistical information) in a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about resident outcomes and services;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and other service providers to ensure high-quality, coordinated support;
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues on child abuse/neglect; responsibly adhere to VIP protocols regarding the risk of suicide/homicide;
• Participate in various programmatic meetings: case conferences, all-staff meetings, team meetings, etc.;
• Participate in community outreach and /or educational workshops, as needed by the program;
• Provide coverage as needed; this includes, but is not limited to, on-call evening, overnight, and weekend coverage;
• Perform other tasks and administrative duties as directed by management.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in a relevant field or comparable experience;
• A minimum of (4) years of crisis intervention, public systems navigation, advocacy, and counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, sexual assault, or related field;
• Strong verbal, written, communication, and documenting skills;
• Strong skills in systems navigation and knowledge of public assistance and housing.
• Must promote VIP values and comply with all VIP policies;
• Must be available for “on-call” evening and weekend hours in the event of a residential emergency;
• Must be well organized and be able to work independently and collectively,
• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations, and must deliver services with cultural humility;
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and sensitivity at all times;
• Must maintain agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times;
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt position, working 35 hours per week with annual wages of $48,000.
• We cover 90% of the cost of medical insurance (United Healthcare/Oxford), dental insurance (Aetna), and vision insurance (VSP) for employee and spouse/children/family. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts available.
• Flexible PTO Program, 13 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of0year fully paid office closure.
• Half-day Friday schedule (optional)
• Commuter benefits (Mass Transit & Parking)
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability and Life Insurance policies 

Note: As a contractor of The City of New York, all VIP employees, interns and volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.