Housing Specialist

Title: Housing Specialist

Report to: Senior Program Director – Justice Works  

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 / Annually

Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Office Location: Brooklyn, NY 11208

Organization Overview:

HousingPlus is a value driven nonprofit organization focused on assisting women in building community and transforming their lives.  HousingPlus is actively seeking to provide support, training and opportunities that foster growth and well-being for its staff as well as the women we serve.

The mission of HousingPlus is to provide permanent, affordable housing and comprehensive services to women, including women with children, and gender expansive people to support them in overcoming poverty, homelessness, addiction, trauma and the effects of incarceration, in order to build lives of stability, and to define and realize goals for themselves and their families. Since its beginning in 2002, HousingPlus has worked to address the lack of housing and services for women who have historically been underserved and marginalized, especially women impacted by the criminal justice system, and for the past 10 years, also female Veterans. Over the next three years, HousingPlus’ programs will continue to grow, along with its commitment to serving vulnerable populations. 

Please consider joining a team committed to building brighter futures for all!

Please visit our website for more information regarding our organization: www.housingplusnyc.org.

Please do not call or email HousingPlus regarding the status of your application.

Position Summary:

The Justice Works Housing Specialist is a key part of the Housing Plus Justice Works program in supporting the women and families as they transition from incarceration to stable housing. Their expertise ensures that clients are matched with appropriate housing opportunities while navigating the complex NYC eligibility requirements, landlord relations and subsidy programs. They serve as the bridge between clients, property owners and service providers. The Housing Specialist  helps to prevent evictions, resolve tenancy issues and promote housing stability. They educate clients on lease compliance, budgeting and tenant rights which reduces recidivism and promotes long-term self-sufficiency. Their work strengthens program outcomes, enhances data accuracy and supports Housing Plus’ mission to provide safe, permanent housing solutions. Effective Housing Specialists contribute directly to improved client retention, stronger community partnerships and overall program success. The Housing Specialist reports  directly to the Justice Works Senior Program  Director.  

Competencies/ Skills:  

Housing Navigation and Placement:

Knowledge of affordable housing resources, rental assistance programs, and eligibility criteria. Ability to identify and secure appropriate housing options based on client needs. Skill in building relationships with landlords and property managers.
Case Management and Client Support:

Provides client-centered support to promote housing stability and self-sufficiency. Conducts comprehensive housing assessments and develops individualized housing plans. Offers coaching on budgeting, lease compliance and tenant rights/responsibilities.

Advocacy and Collaboration:

Advocates clients with housing providers and government agencies. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners to coordinate services for clients. Demonstrates cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse populations.

Problem- Solving Skills: 

Respond promptly to housing crises and help prevent eviction or loss of housing. Uses sound judgement to address barriers to housing stability. Maintain professionalism in high stress or conflict situations.

Documentation and Data Management:

Maintains accurate, timely and confidential case records. Ensure data integrity  in client tracking systems and reports. Understands the importance of compliance with program funding requirements.

Communication and Relationship Building:

Communicates clearly and empathetically with clients, landlords and partners. Write concise and accurate documentation and correspondence. Builds trust and rapport through consistency , reliability and follow through.

Professionalism and Accountability:

Demonstrates reliability, integrity and ethical conduct. Manages workload effectively and meets deadlines. Participates in ongoing training and development to enhance housing knowledge and skills.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Housing Assessment
  Complete an initial housing assessment for each client within 7 days of admission. CAPS survey assessment for each client within 7 days of admission. Identify housing needs, barriers, and preferences.

• Individual Housing Plan
  Collaborate with the case manager to integrate housing goals into the client’s service plan. Update the plan as progress is made or circumstances change. Write a comprehensive statement outlining the next steps in each client’s housing plan for monthly reporting to MOCJ. Identify clients who should pursue employment and ensure these goals are reflected in the housing plan in collaboration with case managers and employment specialist.

• Client Engagement
  Meet with each client at least weekly, onsite at assigned sites to review housing progress. Provide individualized support around housing readiness, applications, employmentreadiness, and navigation of housing systems. Enter progress notes in AWARDS within 24 hours of each engagement.

• Workshops: Education
  Facilitate or coordinate housing workshops to prepare clients for permanent housing (e.g., tenant rights, budgeting, lease signing, landlord expectations, housing interviewing). Create a calendar of housing workshops and submit it to the Senior Director and subcontractors by the 30th of each month for the following month.

•  

  Housing Search: Placement
  Support clients in identifying and applying for appropriate housing opportunities. Build and maintain relationships with landlords, housing agencies, brokers and referral networks. Track housing applications and outcomes. Provide monthly placement projections to the Senior Director by the 30th of each month.

• Income: Employment Documentation
  Assist clients in documenting sources of income and obtaining proof of income. Collect and upload proof of income into AWARDS monthly. Ensure income documentation is updated consistently for reporting and housing readiness purposes. Collaborate with case managers to support clients in securing employment when it is identified as part of their housing stabilization plan.

• Collaboration: Reporting Structure
  Report directly to the Senior Director, providing regular updates, placement projections, and housing workshop schedules. Communicate client needs and concerns to Program Directors to ensure timely support, resolution, and alignment with site-level services. Work closely with case managers, counselors, and other staff to ensure housing and employment efforts are integrated into service plans. Attend case conferences, staff meetings, and consortium meetings as scheduled.

• Retention: Follow-Up
  Support retention goals at 45, 90, and 180 days by providing follow-up and addressing early challenges. Collaborate with the case manager to intervene if a client is at risk of losing housing.

• Documentation: Reporting
  Enter housing-related notes, progress, and outcomes into AWARDS timely and accurately. Upload required documentation (including income verification) each month. Provide updates for internal audits, MOCJ reporting, and case reviews.
• Quality Assurance
  Respond promptly to client concerns and escalate issues to the Senior Program Director, when needed. Participate in continuous quality improvement activities, including audits and corrective actions, if required.
• Professional Standards
  Maintain confidentiality and client dignity at all times. Stay current with housing policies, employment resources, eligibility requirements, and best practices in housing placement. Complete required trainings, including trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience working with justice impacted population , preferably working with  women experiencing homelessness histories, behavioral health needs and/or criminal legal history.
• Knowledge of case management, housing placement expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to  coordinate intake referral process, resolve related problems and overcome barriers  to successful completion of Justice Works contractual goals. 
• Knowledge of and the ability to adhere to professional code of ethics and conduct. 
• Competent technology and management skills including proficiency with using  Microsoft Office, AWARDS and client based data systems. Proficiency with data management systems 

Education and Experience:

• Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree Preferred in the field of social services, data information management ,public administration or related field
•  3 years experience in social services and /or nonprofit services with particular value  placed on New York City based experience. 

Additional Schedule Details:

•  Monday -Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM (On Site)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits
• 403B Matching
• Supplemental Insurance at your discretion
• Access to discounted entertainment benefits