Housing Specialist

Options for Community Living, Inc. is committed to helping Long Island’s most vulnerable families and individuals live healthier, more stable, and productive lives. In 1982, Options was established to respond to the need for housing in the community for people with serious mental illness. Today, Options serves over 2,000 adults and children annually and manages more than 160 residential properties across Long Island.

$500 Sign-on Bonus!

Options for Community Living, Inc. is looking for a Housing Specialist to join our team! An ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Associate's degree in health or human services or certification as an R.N. or L.P.N. and 2 years of qualifying experience,* or a Bachelor's degree in health or human services and 2 year of qualifying experience.*
• Experience with families preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, valid auto insurance and access to a vehicle is required.
• Qualifying experience: Verifiable full or part time case management or case work with persons with HIV/AIDS, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence.

Our Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous PTO: 5 Wellness Days, 10-22 Vacation Days, 8 Sick Days, 11 Paid Holidays - yearly
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Initiatives
• Paid Training & On-the-Job Training
• Promotional Opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account

Salary Range: $41,860/year ($23.00/hour) - $54,600/year ($30.00/hour)

The above salary range represents Options for Community Living’s good faith and reasonable estimate of potential compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job posting and may be modified in the future. When determining a salary offer, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., years of relevant experience, education level, language skillset, credentials, professional licensure, budget, and internal equity).

Schedule Options: (35 hours/week)

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: In person based out of our Hempstead & Ronkonkoma offices, with field visits required.

Pay Type: Non-exempt

Responsibilities:

The Housing Specialist assists the Program Supervisor of Options’ Rapid Rehousing Program in the coordination of support services to clients. The ATC Housing Specialist assists homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain housing. The Housing Specialist works with clients to reduce barriers and assists them with preparing to live independently. The Housing Specialist assists clients with preparing for meeting with landlords and conducting housing searches. The Housing Specialist provides outreach to community resources and job readiness programs. The Housing Specialist engages with landlords within the community, maintains a list of realtors and vacancies within communities. The Housing Specialist tracks referrals provided and client rent contributions monthly.

• Provide housing retention services including identification and documentation of eligible clients, intake, assessment and reassessment of needs, housing placement and advocacy.
• Ensure access to comprehensive housing support services, crisis intervention, educational and independent living skills services, and health, nutrition, and vocational readiness education.
• Make regular visits to housing sites to ensure health and safety of clients and access to services. Coordinate with other providers to identify issues and barriers that may prevent an individual from maintaining stability in RRH program.
• Maintain contact with referral sources to identify program candidates. Complete intakes and gather supporting documentation. Review all intakes to screen for appropriate eligibility. Maintain and update status of waiting list clients.
• Arrange for submission of DSS housing requests, inspection of sites and maintain relationship with appropriate DSS staff.
• Participate in case conferences at least once every three months.
• Assist in coordination of discharges when necessary, ensuring appropriate residential alternatives and services.
• Track client rent contribution.
• Track referrals provided to be used as a match for the program.
• Connect client with resources increase job skills, job readiness.
• Ensure all clients are obtaining eligible benefits.
• Meet with internal or external case management staff regularly to coordinate services.
• Other program or administrative activities as appropriate.

Incredible people doing meaningful work. People come to work at Options to help improve the overall quality of life for individuals within the community. Our welcoming workforce is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Long Islanders reach their fullest potential.