Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

Department: Marian Hall

Location: New York, NY

Job Summary: Youth aging out of care in NYC face many hurdles in obtaining housing, including lack of affordable housing. The Housing Specialist will utilize a developmental approach to provide housing support to participants 17 years old and older. Supports will include developing housing leads and resources to help them locate housing; facilitating workshops to build their skills and increase knowledge related to living independently and transitioning into the community; advocating on behalf of youth with landlords and brokers to overcome any challenges to securing suitable housing; and assisting with securing resources to help with moving expenses.

• Provides housing assistance to young people in foster care including NYCHA, Section 8, supportive housing, Housing Connect and other forms of housing.
• Develops and maintains up to date information about housing issues, available subsidies, and programs.
• Works with participants to develop and implement individualized goals based upon the specific service needs of the participant, and with a focus on moving into to a more independent living opportunity.
• Collaborate with Property Manager to ensure all housing requirements are communicated to residents and maintained.
• Develop and facilitate workshops to build skills and increase knowledge around living independently.
• Provides expert consultation/guidance to EFFC/TFFC casework staff in their work with families with particular emphasis on those who need housing assistance.
• Works directly with participants to assist them with housing services/problems. This may include accompanying them to apply for subsidies and to housing court appointments and fair hearings.
• Establishes and maintains linkages with various programs providing housing services including ACS HPAD, NYCHA, DHS, EHV, Section 8 and various shelters, eviction prevention programs, legal services, realtors etc. Makes/assists with referrals as appropriate.
• Participates in all conferences and/or meetings related to the discharge or preparation for young adulthood, i.e., Family Team Conferences, Clinical Meetings, Trial/Final Discharge meetings, goal changes and permanency planning conferences.
• Remain familiar with current Section 8 and other housing voucher policies and procedures, and train and inform staff about housing related issues including all housing application matters.
• Complete a 3- and 6-month assessment for youth who have transitioned out of foster care into their own home.
• Represents GSS at outside meetings/conferences/workshops particularly as they relate to housing and foster care issues as required by the agency.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete the timely entry of progress notes into CONNECTIONS and Care4 in accordance with state and agency standard.
• Implement the Fair Futures Model and attend mandatory agency and Fair Futures trainings.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Preferred
• Associate's Degree Required
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgement, and prioritize skills.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to maintain required documentation.
• Must be able to use public transportation systems, including subways and busses to attend various meetings and make home visits.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based and/or youth development perspective.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Must have knowledge of Connections and Microsoft Suite.
• Must have ability to work a flexible schedule when needed including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have a commitment to GSS models of practice including Sanctuary and ACS principles to promote permanency, safety, and well-being.
• Good basic knowledge of housing field and service options.
• Minimum of one years experience in child welfare or related systems desirable.
• Able to relate to a wide variety of program participants and staff.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and organizational skills necessary.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based and/or youth development perspective.