Housing Specialist Req-5104

Responsibilities

• Interaction with clients, brokers and landlords: Act as a liaison with clients, brokers and landlords. Provide direct services to clients, including Housing intake, engagement, assessment, service plan development, referral, advocacy, counseling, exit summaries and follow-up.
• Escort clients to viewings, lease signing and interviews for apartments.
• Outreach and establish relationships with new brokers and landlords.
• Provide vouchered clients with 2 referrals for apartment viewings per week.
• Documentation: Document all interactions with, or on behalf of clients. Accurately and timely complete and compile landlord one-shot-deal packages for various housing programs and submit for approval and processing for OSD checks.
• Complete program reports on a monthly basis, or more frequently as required.
• Provide daily housing updates to the Director of Social Services and Residence Director.
• Monitor and document client progress toward housing service plan goals/exit strategy.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required, bachelor's degree preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of related experience and familiarity with low-income housing and government subsidy programs.
• Proficiency in modern business communications including personal computers, electronic mail, voicemail, facsimile, and copier equipment.
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in Housing servicing of homeless families in shelter.
• Clearance through New York State Central Registry (SCR) and New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Justice Center’s Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and Division of Criminal Justice Service (DCJS) required.
• Bilingual language skills in English and Spanish preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication, time management, and organizational skills are necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other standard business technologies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to climb five flights of stairs, if required to conduct home visits and/or fieldwork.
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents.
• Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation.
• Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time and in all types of weather, including inclement weather, if required to conduct home visits and/or field work.