Housing & Entitlements Specialist, Renee Steedley

AFRICAN AMERICAN PLANNING COMMISSION INC•New York, NY

2d•$61,261 - $61,262•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Family Services, the Housing & Entitlements Specialist supports clients in finding housing and accessing public benefits and other entitlements. The role involves building relationships with housing providers and community organizations, helping housing-ready clients explore available dwellings, coordinating with social service staff, and offering clients guidance on following up on housing leads. The specialist also maintains confidential case records, tracks entitlement applications and eligibility, prepares reports, and connects clients with appropriate support services. The position requires professional, collaborative conduct and compliance with House, OTDA, and HRA policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate human service discipline, such as social work or psychology, plus at least five years of placement counseling in a similar social service setting; alternatively, a combination of post-secondary education and related experience totaling five years.
Alternatively, an associate degree in a related field and at least 2–3 years of experience.
Excellent grant-writing and communication skills.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with a focus on excellent client service.
Strong written communication skills and ability to complete assigned reports.
Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff, and external vendors.
Ability to exercise good judgment and apply problem-solving skills.
Experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented, outcomes-focused environment.

Nice To Haves

Spanish bilingual ability is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Network with HPD, private landlords, NY/NY Housing, Project Homeward Bound, and other housing organizations and agencies.
Research and identify agencies, organizations, realty companies, and local and state housing agencies.
Organize outings for housing-ready clients to view available dwellings within and outside the community.
Participate in meetings with social service staff to coordinate client goals and objectives.
Attend in-service and off-site training programs as requested by the Family Services Supervisor.
Give clients guidance on following up on housing leads and make referrals to local community service programs as appropriate.
Work with private and public organizations to further the facility’s Housing Program.
Maintain up-to-date confidential case records.
Oversee client entitlement applications and provide guidance and information.
Monitor daily statistics on clients who apply for or are eligible to apply for public benefits.
Prepare biweekly reports for the Family Services Supervisor, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director.
Provide ongoing entitlement assessments and applications to inform referrals and other interventions.
Provide information, counseling, and advocacy to support appropriate referrals.
Develop mutually agreed-upon goals with clients to support improved independent living.
Serve as liaison to support service agencies and programs, including Food Stamps, SSI, SSD, and Veterans Benefits.
Develop community-based knowledge or expertise in a case management specialty, such as entitlements.
Complete daily and monthly activity reports.
Conduct work-related interactions with staff, clients, and others professionally.
Comply with House, OTDA, and HRA policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties as requested.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including prescription coverage
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Commuter benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Paid holidays
Annual paid time off (23 days)
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement benefits plan (403B)
Potential tax-free forgiveness of eligible Federal Direct Loan college debt through PSLF, subject to eligibility requirements