Housing & Entitlements Specialist, Renee Steedley

Responsibilities

• Network actively with HPD, private landlords, NY/NY Housing, and Project Homeward Bound.
• Research and identify other agencies, organizations, realty companies, as well as local and state housing agencies.
• Organize outings to show housing‑ready clients the various dwellings available within and without the community.
• Participate in meetings with Social Service staff to coordinate goals and objectives for clients.
• Attend in‑service and off‑site training programs as requested by the Family Services Supervisor.
• Give clients tips on how to follow up on housing leads; referrals may be made to local community service programs.
• Work with private and public organizations to further the Housing Program of the facility.
• Maintain up‑to‑date confidential case records.
• Oversee client entitlement applications, provide guidance and information, monitor daily statistics of clients who apply for or are eligible for public benefits, and prepare bi‑weekly reports for the Family Services Supervisor, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director.
• Provide ongoing entitlement assessment and applications as a basis for developing appropriate referrals and other interventions.
• Deliver specific, ongoing information, counseling, and advocacy services to effect appropriate referrals.
• Develop mutually realized goals for clients to enable improved independent living.
• Serve as liaison to support service agencies and programs (Food Stamps, SSI, SSD, Veterans Benefits, etc.).
• Develop community‑based knowledge in a particular case‑management specialty (e.g., entitlements).
• Complete daily and monthly activity reports.
• Conduct work‑related functions with staff, clients, and others in a professional manner.
• Comply with House/OTDA/HRA policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as may be requested.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate human‑service discipline (social work, psychology, or other acceptable field) with at least five (5) years of placement counseling experience in a similar social‑service setting, **or** an associate degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 2‑3 years of experience. Excellent grant‑writing and communication skills are required. Bilingual (Spanish) ability is highly preferred.

• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on providing excellent client services.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to complete reports as assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff, and external vendors.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and apply problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team‑oriented, outcomes‑focused environment.

Compensation

The base salary for this role is $61,261.20 per year. Salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on factors such as location, competencies, education/certifications, qualifications/experience, and performance.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits: medical (including prescription coverage), dental, and vision.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid holidays and annual paid time off (23 days).
• Life insurance.
• Long‑term disability.
• Retirement benefits plan (403(b)).
• Eligibility for student‑loan forgiveness (PSLF) on Federal Direct Loans for full‑time employees after 120 qualifying monthly payments.