Housing Specialist

Job Description

JOB TITLE:                             Housing Specialist

FLSA:                                     Non-Exempt

DIVISON:                               Services

REPORTS TO:                       Shelter Director

LOCATION:                           (Queens)

SALARY:                                $45,000.00 -$ 50,000.00

SUMMARY:  This position will work out of a 200 bed men’s homeless shelter located in College Point, NY. The Housing Specialist is responsible for working with clients to identify permanent housing. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interfaces with landlord and management companies to establish working relationship
• Create and maintain a liaison with DHS Housing Placement Unit
• Oversees landlord and management company compliance in meeting the established housing laws, building codes and lease agreements
• Works in conjunction with Case Management to identify potential clients that are housing ready
• Resolves crises or conflicts with landlords and management relationships
• Ensures uniformity in maintaining fair housing standards in securing apartments
• Develops and maintains a database of available housing options
• Works towards identifying new housing opportunities for clients through ongoing networks
• Prepares and/or coordinates reports and related information related to housing codes and compliance
• Informs Case Management staff of unit readiness and/or problems with client maintaining units
• Prepare housing packages (HRA’s 2010E Application, General Population Housing Packages, HUD VASH Application Process, HPD Section 8 Process, LINC IV, IV & V, etc.) and collaborate with Case Management staff with the preparation of psycho-social applications and assist in the access of any needed documents.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work experience should include but is not limited to, negotiating lease agreements with landlords and/or realtor management companies and proving housing for special needs populations. Knowledge of applicable state and city housing and disability laws and codes essential. Must possess a valid driver’s license.  Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

AGENCY PROFILE & EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS:

Westhab is a prominent community development organization, providing housing and supportive services for more than 10,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community each year. We are staffed by an extraordinary group of hard working professionals that are fully committed to our mission - Building Communities. Changing Lives. Working at Westhab is not easy. Our expectations for all staff are high. We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve deserve our very best every day. We are a results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. If you want to apply for this opportunity, it should only be because you feel ready for the challenges and expectations that come with joining this kind of team. (EOE)

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe and healthful working conditions to workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.  Westhab complies with all applicable OSHA standards, rules and regulations in addition to keeping our workplaces free of serious recognized hazards.