What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Phoenix House of New York?
Summary:
Reporting Relationships: Housing Specialists report to the Director of Social Services.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Social Services, Housing Specialists are expected to perform the following principal duties and responsibilities:
- Regularly conduct on-the-ground outreach to identify new housing resources.
- Cultivate and maintain linkages with brokers, landlords, real estate companies, and management offices that lead to housing placements.
- Coordinate appointments and escort clients to apartment viewings.
- Perform housing inspections and complete/collect pre-clearance forms for approved clients.
- Work with brokers/landlords to obtain required documentation for completion of subsidy packages.
- Meet clients regularly (biweekly, monthly) to assess, update, schedule housing viewing opportunities.
- Maintain up-to-date case notes based on meeting with clients regularly.
- Provide comprehensive support to clients throughout the housing application process, including submissions via NYC HHA and other designated application portals.
- Collaborate closely with the social services team, DHS, and HRA to expedite placements and offer recommendations for successful transitions.
- Support the Program Director and Director of Social Services in achieving performance objectives, including resident rehousing placement goals.
- Collaborate with DHS and HRA personnel to ensure that client housing requirements are addressed promptly and judiciously.
- Facilitate workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview processes as required.
- Educate residents on self-advocacy strategies for securing permanent housing within the community.
- Organize quarterly workshops for landlords and brokers to address updates in housing subsidy policies as necessary.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Degree Requirement: Bachelors relevant to human services and at least one (1) year of proven experience in Human Service-related field or;
An Associate Degree with at least two (2) – three (3) years of proven experience in a Human Service-related field.
Bi-lingual preferred.
Other Qualifications:
- Familiarity with NYC Shelter System with any population; families with children, single adults, mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, or any other related field.
- Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on providing excellent client services; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of clients, program staff and external partners.
- Demonstrated capacity for sound judgment and effective problem-solving.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented, results-driven environment.
- Capable of overseeing and administering diverse tasks as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times
- Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
Compensation and Benefits:
Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of New York State and City pay transparency laws. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the Role, Individuals Competencies, Education/professional Certifications, Qualifications/experience, Performance in the role.
Benefits:
Phoenix House Homeless Shelter provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental and Vision
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off
Optional Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
Leave Benefits: Short-Term Disability, Other Leaves including FMLA, ADA, Bereavement, Jury Duty, Parental/Adoption Leave
Retirement Benefits Plan (403B).