Housing Specialist

Overview

$22.97 per hour

A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the greater New York Area.

Under the general direction of the Program Director or Designee, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying permanent housing for program participants. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for conducting housing assessments to determine participants’ housing readiness, family composition, and other housing needs. Position will provide comprehensive case management, will assist clients in the completion of applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and conduct housing counseling.

What You Will Do

• Coordinates development and maintains linkages with reliable landlords, brokers, and realty agencies.
• Maintains an updated database of available resources.
• Guides clients and staff as it relates to housing-related issues.
• Assists residents in seeking safe, permanent, and affordable housing.
• Coordinates with case managers on client cases.
• Inspects apartments to ensure they comply with city, state, and local standards.
• Interviews candidates to ensure income, family size, etc., and are suitable for placement.
• Identifies barriers to housing (i.e.: language, substance abuse, appearance, etc.).
• Advocates on participants’ behalf to obtain and/or maintain housing subsidies (Advantage NYC, Section 8, FEPS, etc.).
• Maintains tracking forms for placements; provides accurate reports promptly.
• Assists Case Managers in developing appropriate housing plans.
• Assists in facilitating OOR processes (registration, inspection, linkage, etc.).
• Assists in the reconciliation of placements; verifies non-advantage placements and completes appropriate documentation.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Six Months to One Year of comparable housing or real estate experience working with the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or other similar city-operated organizations.
• Willingness to participate in CPR and First Aid training.
• Willingness to travel in the community to view available apartments with program participants.
• Available to work a flexible schedule as needed in response to participant and staff needs.
• Computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHR.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.