Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing clients' housing needs in the shelter and assisting clients as they transition from shelter to permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identify permanent housing options, developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and assistance with housing applications. The Housing specialist develops partnerships with government and community agencies to help increase clients' access to meaningful housing.

• Meets with the family and assess their housing needs and eligibility for subsidized housing and develop a family-specific housing plan.
• Assist families in obtaining the required documentation to obtain permanent housing.
• Ensures that all supporting documents are printed and filed in designated sections in case record.
• Ensures that clients understand and work towards meeting their responsibilities in securing permanent housing as soon as possible.
• Track, monitor and report families’ efforts to obtain permanent housing.
• Collaborates with the case management staff in advocating for housing entitlement and needed supportive services for the family.
• Documents all related information, referrals and action taken in progress notes.
• Coordinates the Housing Readiness Orientation and workshops to include; getting clients registered for the workshop, getting outside presenters, having appropriate materials for each workshop, and planning a graduation ceremony during the annual year.
• Housing: Sourcing/Development/Referral
• Identify and follow through with potential housing resources and leads.
• Establishes and develop new linkages with real estate brokers and landlords. Maintain an active roster of real estate brokers, landlords and housing providers.
• Cultivates relationship with existing permanent housing providers.
• Be knowledgeable about all current subsidized housing programs and requirements.
• Advocates on behalf of the clients to ensure that they receive the appropriate subsidies.
• Coordinates services offered by shelter staff, landlords, city agencies, community agencies and all other aspects involved in securing permanent housing.
• Tracks all referrals and provide on-going follow-up to clients and feedback to sources and leads.
• Assists clients with completing relevant applications for housing subsidies and programs.
• Arranges apartment interviews with landlords and accompany clients to view potential permanent housing, as needed.
• Ensures that information in client file is accurate and current, i.e., family composition, etc.
• Meets with Supervisor to review caseload bi-weekly.

Required Skills

• Prior experience working with the homeless population.
• Highly motivated and well-organized.
• Knowledge of housing services and public benefits programs.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interface with government agencies
• Familiarity with housing entitlement systems and procedures.
• Ability to interact effectively with the client population.
• Ability to interface with representatives of government and private agencies.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to potential housing sites, as needed.
• Computer literate. Accurately complete required reports in-house. .
• Extensive Field work required. Must travel on local transportation.
• Work Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 6pm

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.59 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Can you work Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• find housing in NYC for families: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10030 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27