Housing & Entitlements Specialist

Reporting Relationships: Housing Specialists report to the Director of Social Services.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Social Services, Housing Specialists are expected to perform the following principal duties and responsibilities:

• Periodically conduct on-the-ground outreach to identify new housing resources.
• Develop and maintain linkages with brokers, landlords, real estate companies, and management offices that lead to housing placements.
• Facilitate appointments and accompany residents to apartment viewings.
• Conduct housing inspections and complete/collect pre-clearance forms for clients who have been approved for apartments.
• Work with brokers/landlords to obtain required documentation for completion of subsidy packages.
• Meet residents regularly (biweekly, monthly) to assess, update, schedule housing viewing opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes based on meeting with residents regularly.
• Assist clients with completing housing applications through NYC Housing Connect and other identified application portals.
• Work closely with social service team, DHS and HRA to expedite placements and make recommendations for successful moves.
• Assist the Program Director and Director of Social Services to ensure performance objectives, including placements goals for the number of residents rehoused, are met.
• Work with all DHS and HRA staff to ensure client housing needs are being addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• Conduct workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview process on an as needed basis.
• Teach the residents how to advocate for themselves when seeking permanent housing in the community.
• Conduct quarterly workshops for landlords/brokers on housing subsidies changes as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by Program Director.

Minimal Qualifications:

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 1-2 years’ experience or,

• Associate Degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 2-3 years’ experience.

Other Qualifications:

• Familiarity with NYC Shelter System with any population; single adults, mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, or any other related field.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on providing excellent client services; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff and external partners.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and apply problem-solving skills.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented and outcome-focused environment.
• Ability to monitor and manage a variety of tasks as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

•           Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

•           Must be able to lift to 5 pounds at times