Housing Specialist

About the role

Options for Community Living, Inc. is looking for a Housing Specialist to join our team! An ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

Requirements

• Associate's degree in health or human services or certification as an R.N. or L.P.N. and 2 years of qualifying experience, or a Bachelor's degree in health or human services and 2 years of qualifying experience.
• Experience with families preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, valid auto insurance and access to a vehicle is required.
• Qualifying experience: Verifiable full or part time case management or case work with persons with HIV/AIDS, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence.

Responsibilities

• The Housing Specialist assists the Program Supervisor of Options’ Rapid Rehousing Program in the coordination of support services to clients.
• The Housing Specialist assists homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain housing.
• The Housing Specialist works with clients to reduce barriers and assists them with preparing to live independently.
• The Housing Specialist assists clients with preparing for meeting with landlords and conducting housing searches.
• The Housing Specialist provides outreach to community resources and job readiness programs.
• The Housing Specialist engages with landlords within the community, maintains a list of realtors and vacancies within communities.
• The Housing Specialist tracks referrals provided and client rent contributions monthly.
• Provide housing retention services including identification and documentation of eligible clients, intake, assessment and reassessment of needs, housing placement and advocacy.
• Ensure access to comprehensive housing support services, crisis intervention, educational and independent living skills services, and health, nutrition, and vocational readiness education.
• Make regular visits to housing sites to ensure health and safety of clients and access to services.
• Coordinate with other providers to identify issues and barriers that may prevent an individual from maintaining stability in RRH program.
• Maintain contact with referral sources to identify program candidates.
• Complete intakes and gather supporting documentation.
• Review all intakes to screen for appropriate eligibility.
• Maintain and update status of waiting list clients.
• Arrange for submission of DSS housing requests, inspection of sites and maintain relationship with appropriate DSS staff.
• Participate in case conferences at least once every three months.
• Assist in coordination of discharges when necessary, ensuring appropriate residential alternatives and services.
• Track client rent contribution.
• Track referrals provided to be used as a match for the program.
• Connect client with resources increase job skills, job readiness.
• Ensure all clients are obtaining eligible benefits.
• Meet with internal or external case management staff regularly to coordinate services.
• Other program or administrative activities as appropriate.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous PTO: 5 Wellness Days, 10-22 Vacation Days, 8 Sick Days, 11 Paid Holidays - yearly
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Initiatives
• Paid Training & On-the-Job Training
• Promotional Opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account

Pay

Salary Range: $41,860/year ($23.00/hour) - $54,600/year ($30.00/hour)

Schedule

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

35 hours/week. In person based out of our Hempstead & Ronkonkoma offices, with field visits required.