What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist - Residential Services position at The Bridge?
The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.
Scope of Position: The Housing Specialist, under the direction of the Program Director and in collaboration with Case Managers, provides housing-focused case management and referral services to an assigned caseload of clients residing in a 42-bed Safe Haven in New York, New York, serving street homeless single adults of all genders. The Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for coordinating and compiling the documentation required for housing applications, completing and submitting housing applications, and assisting clients with utilizing housing vouchers to identify and secure apartments in the community. The position works closely with clients and housing providers to support successful housing placements and transitions to permanent housing. All staff are required to obtain and maintain certifications in Fire Safety, CPR, First Aid, Overdose Prevention, and other required trainings.
Essential Position Functions
Scope of Position: The Housing Specialist, under the direction of the Program Director and in collaboration with Case Managers, provides housing-focused case management and referral services to an assigned caseload of clients residing in a 42-bed Safe Haven in New York, New York, serving street homeless single adults of all genders. The Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for coordinating and compiling the documentation required for housing applications, completing and submitting housing applications, and assisting clients with utilizing housing vouchers to identify and secure apartments in the community. The position works closely with clients and housing providers to support successful housing placements and transitions to permanent housing. All staff are required to obtain and maintain certifications in Fire Safety, CPR, First Aid, Overdose Prevention, and other required trainings.
Essential Position Functions
- Schedule regular meetings with clients to assess their progress toward permanent housing.
- Create and conduct housing-related groups and training for clients and staff.
- Complete and submit HRA 2010e housing applications and voucher opportunities.
- Attend information meetings to remain current on housing trends and changes to entitlement systems.
- Develop and cultivate housing leads and resources.
- Act as the primary contact for housing referrals and the primary liaison between DHS and housing providers.
- Maintain communication with the agency’s internal intake department.
- Maintain a housing referral database and liaise with other departments and outside agencies.
- Assist in preparing and escorting clients to housing interviews.
- Complete documentation in a timely manner upon client acceptance.
- Follow through on client placements and move-outs.
- Assist, as needed, with case management services, including benefits assistance and connections to primary and behavioral health care in the community.
- Carry a caseload for general (non-housing) services, particularly during periods of short staffing, as needed.
- Assess clients’ needs and develop appropriate ILPs.
- Perform required administrative duties, including documentation, chart work, and record keeping.
- Utilize and maintain familiarity with CARES, AWARDS, and CAPS.
- Assist the Operations team as needed and provide operational coverage as required.
- Work overtime hours for coverage and potentially remain on-site during periods of short staffing.
- Conduct counseling and groups related to obtaining and maintaining housing in the community.
- Provide training to prepare clients for housing interviews.
- Provide guidance regarding activities of daily living (ADLs) and services available in the community.
- Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision, and required training.
- Complete mandatory agency training and certifications, including fire safety (F-80), first aid, and overdose prevention.
- Interact with clients in a polite and professional manner while maintaining appropriate personal boundaries.
- Demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately to residents’ behaviors and maintain composure during crisis situations.
- Engage individuals who may present behavioral challenges.
- Report any incidents or disruptive behavior to the residence’s supervisors and/or staff.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Associate’s degree with two years of relevant experience required.
- Experience working with the street homeless population is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience with electronic record-keeping systems and applications such as AWARDS, CARES, and CAPS.
- Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.