Housing Specialist

Overview

Join to apply for the Housing Specialist role at Violence Intervention Program
.

Position:
Housing Specialist
Department:
Bronx Community Program

Location:

Bronx

Reports To:

Manager
Classification:
Full Time–Non-Exempt
Work Model:
Hybrid

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is the only culturally specific nonprofit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. VIP operates three community-based social service programs, two residential shelter and housing programs, a 24/7 hotline, innovative economic justice and sexual violence programs, and a robust community engagement team.

• Housing Specialist will provide program participants with safe, long-term housing and supportive services to assist them in becoming self-sufficient and free from violence.
• Provide supportive services including case management, educational/vocational workshops, public benefits coordination, financial planning, and leadership development.
• Perform telephone screening to identify potential participants.
• Conduct intake assessment on all program participants to identify needs and create/discuss safety plans.
• Provide information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment as it relates to housing and public benefits, including over the phone, in person and via written correspondence in a timely manner.
• Consistently assess client safety to ensure their security and that of their children; create safety plans as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements related to issues such as child abuse/neglect, suicide/homicide concerns, etc.
• Attend regularly scheduled agency and program meetings, supervision sessions, trainings, case conferences, and other inter-disciplinary meetings.
• Conduct community outreach and/or educational workshops as needed by the program.
• Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; promote VIP services at all public functions.
• Report language access issues to the Associate Director of Community Programs.
• Perform other tasks as required, including related administrative duties.

• Assist program participants with completing housing applications (e.g., NYCHA Public Housing, affordable housing, and/or private housing).
• Advocate on behalf of clients regarding housing court issues, emergency transfers, applying for public benefits, etc.
• Stay informed and provide information to clients regarding local, state and federal programs that provide rental arrears and assistance.
• Participate in policy discussions about housing and public benefit rights and assist in local and state lobbying efforts, including round tables.
• Network with realtors across communities and assess their ability to work with program participants.
• Conduct groups on housing resources and issues.
• Research low-income housing and maintain a current resource directory.

• Accurately record all required information pertinent to identified outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data to enhance service delivery and achieve outcomes.
• Make recommendations to improve data processes to ensure standards in data entry, collection, and retrieval.

• BSW, BA or equivalent relevant experience in the field of human services.
• Bilingual required (English/Spanish – verbal and written).
• Advocacy and/or counseling experience in domestic violence, women and children’s issues, or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills.
• Well organized, able to work independently and collaboratively, with a flexible schedule.
• Knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations; able to deliver culturally competent services.
• Ability to operate office equipment and use software including Microsoft Office and client databases.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity to provide trauma-informed care.
• Maintain agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times.
• Team-oriented with self-awareness and accountability in the workplace.
• Passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma.

• Full-time, non-exempt position, 35 hours per week; annual wages of $57,500.
• Health coverage: VIP covers 85% of medical (United Healthcare/Oxford), dental and vision coverage (Met Life); FSA/HSA available.
• Paid Time Off, 12 paid holidays, mid-year and end-of-year office closures, and Summer Fridays.
• Commuter benefits
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
• Employee wellness activities