Housing Specialist - Bronx

About the role

The Housing Specialist locates and secures affordable scatter site apartments that meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and HUD’s Rent Reasonableness Standards.

Responsibilities

• Primary: Locates and secures quality affordable, independent or supportive permanent housing for program clients by viewing available market rate apartments throughout New York City and completing 2010e supportive housing applications.
• Primary: Corresponds with HASA personnel to expedite apartment approval and the issuing of ongoing rental subsidies.
• Secondary: Performs semi-annual housing inspections using HQS document.
• Secondary: Provide documentation that proves that all apartments we rent have rental amounts that are at or are lower than HUD’s Fair Market Rent standards and passes HUD’s “Rent Reasonableness” requirements.
• Secondary: Complete annual Environmental Reviews for the program.
• Other functions: Collects necessary documents from real estate brokers, building management personnel, and landlords and completes required Housing Works paperwork to request first month’s rent, security deposit, and real estate broker’s checks.
• Other functions: Develops and cultivates housing leads and resources with real estate brokers, private landlords, and management companies.
• Other functions: Escort program clients to view apartments.
• Other functions: Participate in client case conferences to discuss housing options and needs.
• Other functions: Assist program clients to locate and secure independent housing.
• Other functions: Enthusiastically take part in advocacy and direct actions to end the twin crises of homelessness and HIV/AIDS.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of work experience as a Housing Specialist for a non-profit organization.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to work with the street homeless and formerly unhoused populations.
• Dependable and flexible.
• Able to maintain a high level of client confidentiality.
• Good communication skills both verbally and written, including the ability to communicate with all levels of management.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to assert oneself.

Pay

Compensation range: $55,000 - $70,000 yearly, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on priorities and budget; Housing Works covers most of the plan, employee pays a portion based on salary.
• Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• Educational benefit available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.