HOUSING COUNSELOR - Central Islip, NY

Responsibilities

• Provide housing stabilization and tenancy‑sustaining services to eligible Medicaid members.
• Accept, track, and manage referrals for Tenancy Sustaining Services.
• Verify member eligibility and Social Care Coverage and complete required intake procedures.
• Conduct the Housing Intake and Stabilization Assessment to identify housing needs, potential obstacles, financial hardship, and appropriate services.
• Collect and review all required housing and financial documentation, including lease agreements, proof of household income, rent payment history, documentation of rent arrears, utility account documentation, and financial hardship verification.
• Calculate and verify household income as required to determine eligibility for applicable housing assistance.
• Provide housing‑focused case management and tenancy‑sustaining services, including tenant education, eviction prevention, lease renewal assistance, dispute resolution, and connection to legal and community resources.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, utility companies, community organizations, and other service providers to address member housing needs.
• Conduct housing habitability inspections, as required, and ensure applicable housing quality standards are met.
• Maintain at least monthly contact with each active member to monitor progress toward housing stabilization and identify additional needs or resources.
• Accurately document and upload member assessments, interactions, services, referrals, financial assistance, supporting documents, and housing outcomes in Unite Us.
• Ensure services and documentation comply with HEALI authorization, service‑unit, billing, and program requirements.
• Maintain member confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, EOC policies and procedures, HEALI requirements, and applicable federal and New York State regulations.
• Attend and participate in relevant trainings, in‑services, meetings, and professional development opportunities as required by EOC, HEALI, and program guidelines.
• Participate in case reviews, quality‑improvement activities, program monitoring, and performance reviews as required.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned by EOC.

Qualifications

• Strong case management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of housing systems, rental assistance programs, eviction prevention resources, public benefits, and community resources.
• Ability to communicate professionally with members, landlords, community providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations and individuals from varying cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, and community backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain an active caseload of approximately 40 members, prioritize urgent needs, and meet documentation and service deadlines.
• Strong written communication, documentation, mathematical, and computer skills, including the ability to review financial documentation and calculate household income.
• Ability to utilize electronic case management and referral systems, including Unite Us.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, member‑centered services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• HUD NSPIRE certification or ability to obtain HUD NSPIRE certification within 60 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
• Valid New York driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Completion of required PPD (TB) screening prior to start of employment.

Education, Training, & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in case management, housing services, benefits assistance, social services, or a related human services field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• PPD (TB test) with proof of results no older than one year.