Housing & Entitlements Specialist

Reporting Relationships

Housing Specialists report to the Director of Social Services.

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 meetings with residents regularly.
• Assist clients with completing housing applications through NYC Housing Connect and other identified application portals.
• Work closely with the 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 placement goals for the number of residents rehoused, are met.
• Collaborate with all DHS and HRA staff to ensure client housing needs are addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• Conduct workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview process as needed.
• Teach residents how to advocate for themselves when seeking permanent housing in the community.
• Conduct quarterly workshops for landlords/brokers on housing subsidy changes as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications

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 of experience, or an Associate Degree in a related field with at least 2‑3 years of experience.

• Familiarity with the NYC Shelter System and experience serving any population (single adults, mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, etc.).
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on excellent client service.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff, and external partners.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and apply problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team‑oriented, outcome‑focused environment.
• Ability to monitor and manage a variety of assigned tasks.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 5 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Compensation

The base salary compensation range for this role is $62,007.40. Salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on factors such as location, competencies, education/certifications, experience, and performance.

Benefits

• Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid holidays and annual paid time off (23 days).
• Life insurance.
• Long‑term disability.
• Retirement benefits plan (403(b)).
• Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness under the PSLF program for full‑time employees after 120 qualifying payments.