What are the responsibilities and job description for the Domestic Violence Housing & OVS Specialist position at Met Council?
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.
Met Council delivers services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sex trafficking both directly and in collaboration with Family Justice Centers and community-based organizations including our network of 15 grassroots Jewish Community Councils (JCCs) and other community-based providers. Our services are designed to stabilize and strengthen families and preserve communities by assessing needs and bringing to these communities the resources and support they require.
Position Summary
The Domestic Violence Housing & OVS Specialist will provide direct support to survivors of domestic violence with a focus on housing stability and access to victim compensation through the Office of Victim Services (OVS). This role includes basic case management and coordination with internal and external service providers. Services are delivered through a trauma-informed, culturally competent, and client-centered approach.
Principal Responsibilities
Skill and Education:
Benefits: Major medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b); plus holidays.
Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.
Met Council delivers services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sex trafficking both directly and in collaboration with Family Justice Centers and community-based organizations including our network of 15 grassroots Jewish Community Councils (JCCs) and other community-based providers. Our services are designed to stabilize and strengthen families and preserve communities by assessing needs and bringing to these communities the resources and support they require.
Position Summary
The Domestic Violence Housing & OVS Specialist will provide direct support to survivors of domestic violence with a focus on housing stability and access to victim compensation through the Office of Victim Services (OVS). This role includes basic case management and coordination with internal and external service providers. Services are delivered through a trauma-informed, culturally competent, and client-centered approach.
Principal Responsibilities
- Assist clients in identifying safe housing options including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing.
- Support clients with housing applications (e.g., NYCHA, Section 8, FHEPS B, etc.) and emergency transfers for safety.
- Coordinate individualized housing plans with social workers and case managers.
- Provide assistance to clients in the completion and submission of OVS Victim Compensation applications, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Conduct intake and provide safety planning, referrals, and short-term follow-up support.
- Provide referrals to internal and external services (e.g., legal aid, counseling, food access).
- Maintain accurate documentation in Salesforce and comply with grant reporting requirements.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care in all client interactions.
- Travel to service hubs including Family Justice Centers, Brooklyn Hub, and Met Council’s main office.
- Additional responsibilities as required.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to assess housing and safety needs and develop appropriate plans.
- Ability to manage time and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Skill and Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (required); MSW (preferred).
- 2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence or in housing advocacy (preferred).
- Familiarity with public housing systems and victim compensation processes (preferred).
- Bilingual (preferred).
- This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City via public transportation.
Benefits: Major medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b); plus holidays.
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000