Housing Coordinator

Project Renewal•Brooklyn, NY

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Coordinator at Project Renewal’s Barbara Kleiman Men’s Shelter identifies housing options for clients, especially those with long stays, and helps them prepare and submit applications to obtain permanent housing, reduce shelter stays, and support independence and return to their communities. The role works under the direction of the Director of Social Services, with some latitude for independent action and decision-making. The Barbara Kleiman Men’s Shelter is a 200-bed, 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless men. It serves people diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, as well as people who are employed or seeking employment. Services include case management, counseling, mental health and primary medical care, recreational activities, occupational therapy, employment and job-readiness services, and housing placement assistance. The Housing Coordinator acts as a liaison with DHS and housing providers, coordinates housing referrals and interviews, tracks applications, and works with clients and staff on housing goals and concrete services. The position also provides individual and group counseling and education, maintains client records and CARES entries, and performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, psychology, education, sociology, occupational or physical therapy, or another related human services field, with at least two years of experience; or an Associate’s degree in one of the listed or related fields with three years of experience; or a high school diploma or GED equivalent with four years of experience.
Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills.
Ability to work in a highly pressurized, deadline-driven environment and meet short- and long-term program mandates.
Ability to collaborate with the Performance Evaluation and Quality Assurance Department and independently evaluate and manage program performance using data.
Ability to interact effectively with clients and all levels of staff.
Knowledge of case management software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to navigate the facility on foot and climb stairwells; stand and bend to review and handle client files; sit at a computer workstation for extended periods; and lift or move materials and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual ability.
Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff to accomplish program goals and objectives while developing individual and group skills.
Ability to develop and foster team spirit through demonstration, helping staff address challenges in serving a special client population.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary liaison with DHS for scheduling interviews and other housing-related matters.
Visit housing providers to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
Prepare clients for housing interviews, accompany them on facility tours, and coordinate the housing referral process.
Maintain an updated resource manual of available housing.
Create and maintain a system to track housing applications and their status.
Consult with case management staff regarding housing options and clients’ adherence to Individual Living Plans, including short- and long-term objectives.
Enter client information and updates promptly into the CARES system.
Work collaboratively with clients and staff to identify and obtain financial entitlements, housing, and other concrete services.
Counsel clients in individual and group sessions on housing goals, permanent or alternative housing, and employment opportunities.
Organize and educate clients through sessions.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date written client documentation in accordance with city and state oversight agency guidelines.
Provide escort services to clients as needed.
Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Social Services or Team Leader.