Housing Specialist

JOB TITLE: Housing Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Shelter Housing Specialist works with resident families or individuals experiencing homelessness. This role involves identifying suitable permanent housing options, coordinating assessments, engaging with landlords, and ensuring clients can transition from shelter to stable housing. It operates with a trauma-informed, client-centered focus and utilizes DHS’s case management systems such as CARES and or CAPS, This position reports to the Director of Social Services.

SCHEDULE:

Schedule may vary based on preferred work site.

LOCATION:

Jamaica, NY, LIC, Harlem New York

POSITION TYPE:

Full-Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct field outreach to locate housing solutions for shelter clients, including interviews, broker/landlord engagement, and community networking.
• Escort clients to apartment viewings, assist with lease negotiations, utilities setup, and move-in logistics.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, and housing vendors to expand placement options.
• Assist with completion and submission of housing applications including use of systems like CAPS or CARES; track approvals and denials.
• Conduct housing workshops for clients and coordinate regular case conferences with social services teams.
• Document all housing activities, client interactions, and progress in DHS case management platforms; prepare weekly or regular status reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate’s degree (or High School/GED plus relevant experience); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with individuals/families in DHS shelters or similar homeless service settings.
• Proficiency in DHS case management systems such as CARES; familiarity with CAPS is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit cultural sensitivity in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual a plus

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

BENEFITS:

15 Vacation Days

12 Sick Days (3 per quarter)

Floating Holiday 1 annually

401K retirement plan with 3% match after 90 days of employment

Medical Benefits after 30 days of employment with Cigna

Dental/Vision eligible after 90 days of employment

Access to Gym/Weight Room

Access to Boxing Ring

Short Term Disability

Life, Accidental Insurance available through Aflac

Transit Check for commuting expenses

Legal Shield for legal services

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) participant