Housing Specialist (Bruckner)

About the role

The Housing Specialist is responsible for all facets of client case management related to securing permanent housing. This includes using HPD incentives for finders’ fees to brokers and owners, and developing contacts with both not-for-profit and for-profit housing developers. The role ensures clients are familiar with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) forms and procedures, as well as other housing programs. This position is based at our Poplar location in Bronx, NY, to support the successful relocation of families to permanent housing.

Responsibilities

• Understand and explain the New York City Department of Homeless Services – Client Responsibility Procedures to clients during Housing Intake.
• Ensure all clients sign the “Permanent Housing Agreement” form within 10 days of arrival.
• Maintain open communication with the Director of Social Services and Case Managers to resolve issues preventing clients from securing permanent housing.
• Ensure clients complete and return the “Apartment Review” and/or “Client Apartment Rejection Form.”
• Inform clients of their responsibility to visit/view two apartments per week and document this activity.
• Ensure all relevant housing applications are fully completed within 90 days of a family becoming eligible for shelter services, forwarded on-time, and a copy maintained in the case record.
• Utilize the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to complete family intake assessments, service plans, housing applications, incident reports, progress notes, and other required documentation.
• Review accessible information from HRA, ACS, Department of Probation, DHS, and other agencies via CARES.
• Update all client information in CARES in a timely manner as required by DHS.
• Document and follow up on all housing appointments and permanent housing applications.
• Verify all housing rejections, including the reason for rejection.
• Accompany families on housing searches when appropriate.
• Provide ongoing housing education through workshops and individual counseling.
• If applicable, provide clients with a list of suitable available apartments consistent with their “Domestic Violence” status and advise them on seeking additional apartments.
• Meet or exceed Housing Placement Goals set by the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
• Review DSS/APD Housing placements and projected placements weekly.
• Complete required reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or Human Services is strongly preferred; at minimum, a High School Diploma/GED is required.
• At least one year of experience in social services, counseling, crisis intervention, family services, preventive services, or housing services.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and computer literacy in Microsoft Office.

Other Requirements

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travel throughout various locations in the New York City area.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.