Domestic Violence Housing Assessment Specialist

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc. • Buffalo, NY

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assessment Specialist is responsible for facilitating access to housing through Coordinated Entry, including conducting assessments, making referrals, and ensuring that domestic violence victims experiencing homelessness are prioritized for appropriate housing resources. This role requires close collaboration with service providers, excellent documentation and data management, and maintaining compliance with HUD guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or equivalent education and experience;
• Local travel to community locations for work purposes, including client meetings, is required;
• NYS driver's license and continued automobile insurance required.

Nice To Haves

• Professional housing services experience preferred;
• Professional domestic violence experience preferred;
• Bi-lingual skills (Spanish-English) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess clients to ensure that they meet requirements for enrollment in domestic violence-specific housing services and referral to coordinated entry, including verification of domestic violence history and verification of Category 1 or 4 Homelessness, as defined by HUD;
• Complete required housing and domestic violence assessment tools with qualified clients;
• Provide emergency safety planning and referrals for clients to community services and resources to meet identified urgent needs, as needed;
• Manage and maintain the Domestic Violence Coordinated Entry list for Erie County
• Maintain communication with agencies in the COC for the purpose of referral completion and follow-up;
• Maintain and regularly update a database of housing resources
• Establish and maintain rapport with local landlords and property management companies, for the purpose of building and maintaining a network of available housing resources for clients;
• Support the work of the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, including by assisting to identify appropriate available housing units for clients; as well as provide case management supports as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files, statistics, case notes, and summary reports as required, including reports for funding sources as needed;
• Attend Haven House staff meetings, CAP team meetings, HAWNY meetings, trainings, and regularly scheduled supervision;
• Participate in program audits and site visits, as needed;
• Provide occasional coverage in the shelter and hotline, if needed;
• Engage in staff development to ensure continued professional growth;
• Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions;
• Promote the empowerment of individuals as defined by the social work profession and domestic violence services best practices, adhering to the principles of non-violence and independent decision making;
• Participate and contribute to program quality improvement process;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO) –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
• 14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
• Bereavement: Four Paid Days
• Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years (1000 hours each year)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level