Housing Specialist

Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive. 

 The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual.  Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming.  CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.

Under general supervision, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying permanent housing for program participants. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for conducting a housing assessment to determine participants housing readiness and housing needs. S/he will provide comprehensive case management, will assist clients in the completion of applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and provide counseling when needed. S/he will coordinate escorts for clients to subsidized housing, realtors, landlord, and community-based agencies. S/he will coordinate escorts for clients to apartment visits and lease signings. S/he will establish linkages with real estate brokers and landlords, utilize media resources such as the internet to identify available apartments. S/he will maintain detailed participant notes and create and manage a database of housing resources.

Responsibilities

Direct Services 

• Provides guidance to clients and staff as it relates to housing-related issues.
• Provide systems connection to step down levels of transitional and supportive housing.
• Assists residents in seeking safe, permanent, and affordable housing.
• Coordinates with other providers as needed on client cases.
• Inspects potential housing placements to ensure they are appropriate for outgoing program participants.
• Interviews candidates to ensure income, family size, etc are suitable for placement.
• Identifies barriers to housing (i.e.: language, substance abuse, appearance, etc) and provide counseling when needed.
• Advocates on participants’ behalf to obtain and/or maintain housing subsidies (Advantage NYC, Section 8, FEPS, etc).

Administrative/Documentation

• Develops housing assessment tool to be utilized for ensuring appropriate placement.
• Maintains updated database of available resources.
• Maintains tracking forms for placements; provides accurate reports in a timely manner.

Referrals

• Develop and maintain linkages with community-based housing support service resources.
• Refer clients to appropriate housing service providers in the community. 
• Coordinates, develops, and maintains linkages with reliable landlords, brokers and realty agencies.
• Coordinate and facilitate business relationships with DHS and HUD funded housing programs. 

Other

• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field highly preferred.
• Knowledge and the ability  to work with the population in Substance Use and Mental Health modality
• Knowledge of housing resources and housing vouchers such as Homebase, CityFheps, Section 8(HPD/NYCHA), Supportive Housing, 2010e/CAPS
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Knowledge of strengths-based counseling, cognitive behavioral treatment, and behavior modification in practice
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Team-player, able to multi-task and handle challenging situations in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to work professionally and empathetically with a diverse group of clients and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a broad variety of people, including other team members and management.  
• Strong individual and group counseling skills, ability to function independently, attend to detail, and work under pressure.
• Ability and willingness to travel within NYC, occasionally with program participants.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality. 
• Competency with computer-based programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook email, Relias, and Electronic Health Records.    

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14^TH St Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.