Housing Specialist - Homeless Families - NYC

Company:  Urban Resource Institute
Location: New York
Closing Date: 02/11/2024
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in
URI's homeless shelters. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from shelter to
permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying 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 also develops partnerships with
government and community agencies to help increase clients' access to meaningful housing.
This position is open in the following boroughs: Manhattan (Harlem), Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens
Salary: $42,000 - $46,000
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assess clients' housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe,
    affordable housing.
  • Assess clients' eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies,
    and benefit programs.
  • Participate as member of interdisciplinary team in determining clients' immediate
    needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase
    independent functioning
  • Conduct regular meetings with clients (at least biweekly) to review housing options, exit
    strategies
  • Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and landlords in an effort to secure a
    pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready
    families
  • Facilitate clients ability to view at least three apartments each week. Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing and collect the necessary documents for affordable and subsidized housing.
  • Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities and maintain a
    database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management
    companies.
  • Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including
    available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other
    best practices).
  • Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive
    community-based organizations.
  • Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers
    and landlords.
  • Prepare weekly housing status and other DHS required reports as directed
  • Work with clients to identify ways in which to resolve adverse credit reports
  • Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars
    conducted to enhance one's skills
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES
  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of one year counseling experience and two years of experience in housing
    development/management, real estate or case management.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness
    within disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with
    substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
  • Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting
  • Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to write and record case
    documentation, skills in group counseling, working knowledge of family issues,
    sensitivity to the needs of homeless families, have a demonstrated ability to advocate
    and provide follow-up around housing issues, and able to conduct housing specific
    workshops.
  • Possess knowledge and skills necessary to develop strong linkages with city
    and private housing agencies as well as the ability to secure permanent housing for
    homeless population.
  • Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed
  • Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft
Apply Now
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