Housing Specialist

Responsibilities

• Partner with shelter guests to conduct comprehensive assessments of housing needs, goals, and program/voucher eligibility.
• Collaborate with guests to develop service plans informed by evaluations, incorporating clearly defined SMART goals.
• Provide ongoing support through regular meetings, helping guests achieve SMART goals and updating plans as needed.
• Identify permanent housing options aligned with guests’ needs, goals, and eligibility.
• Facilitate active guest engagement in the housing process, including rental applications, move-out planning, and addressing barriers such as past evictions.
• Builds and maintains relationships with landlords, brokers, and management companies to secure suitable housing opportunities for clients.
• Identifies safe, compliant apartments that meet NYC health and safety standards, and accompanies clients to viewings.
• Affords clients with lease negotiations and securing/maintaining funding sources for housing.
• Conducts inspections to ensure housing solutions uphold dignity, privacy, safety, and compliance with Fair Housing laws.
• Facilitates housing workshops to educate and empower clients.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records of clients’ housing progress.
• Promote inclusive practices that address the needs of women, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Provide clients with pre-move information on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Advocate for equitable access to housing, with a focus on marginalized and displaced populations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma required, college degree preferred.
• Must be fluent in Spanish.
• Must have a valid Drivers License and reliable transportation.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in housing placement.
• Strong working knowledge of CityFHEPS, FHEPS, Section 8, and SOTA voucher programs.
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant law and fair housing regulations.
• Proficiency with NYC housing systems such as CARES, ACCESS HRA, and Housing Connect.
• Experience navigating DHS regulatory requirements, HPD/NYCHA housing inspections, and NYC landlord–tenant procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency to work with diverse populations.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management databases.

Qualifications

• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Benefits

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.