Housing & Entitlements Specialist (DHS)

AFRICAN AMERICAN PLANNING COMMISSION INC•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Social Services, Housing Specialists are expected to perform a variety of duties related to identifying housing resources, developing relationships with property owners, facilitating apartment viewings, conducting inspections, and assisting clients with housing applications. This role involves working closely with social service teams, DHS, and HRA to expedite placements and ensure client housing needs are met. The specialist will also conduct workshops for residents on the housing search process and for landlords/brokers on subsidy changes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 1-2 years’ experience OR Associate Degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 2-3 years’ experience.
Familiarity with NYC Shelter System with any population; single adults, mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, or any other related field.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on providing excellent client services.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff and external partners.
Ability to exercise good judgement and apply problem-solving skills.
Experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented and outcome-focused environment.
Ability to monitor and manage a variety of tasks as assigned.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift to 5 pounds at times
Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities

Responsibilities

Periodically conduct on-the-ground outreach to identify new housing resources.
Develop and maintain linkages with brokers, landlords, real estate companies, and management offices that lead to housing placements.
Facilitate appointments and accompany residents to apartment viewings.
Conduct housing inspections and complete/collect pre-clearance forms for clients who have been approved for apartments.
Work with brokers/landlords to obtain required documentation for completion of subsidy packages.
Meet residents regularly (biweekly, monthly) to assess, update, schedule housing viewing opportunities.
Maintain up-to-date case notes based on meeting with residents regularly.
Assist clients with completing housing applications through NYC Housing Connect and other identified application portals.
Work closely with social service team, DHS and HRA to expedite placements and make recommendations for successful moves.
Assist the Program Director and Director of Social Services to ensure performance objectives, including placements goals for the number of residents rehoused, are met.
Work with all DHS and HRA staff to ensure client housing needs are being addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
Conduct workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview process on an as needed basis.
Teach the residents how to advocate for themselves when seeking permanent housing in the community.
Conduct quarterly workshops for landlords/brokers on housing subsidies changes as needed.
Other duties as assigned by Program Director.