Housing Retention Specialist

Neighborhood Association•New York, NY

13d•$27 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Retention Specialist will execute supportive services within NAICA’s "light touch" supportive housing program. Their interventions aim to facilitate long-term housing stability, assisting formerly homeless families in averting eviction and avoiding a return to shelter. Managing a caseload of up to 20 households comprising formerly homeless individuals and families, the Specialist will conduct bi-weekly home visits post-move-in. As households acclimate to their new residences, service levels will be tailored accordingly, ensuring appropriateness for each household. Emphasizing prevention, efforts will focus on sustaining benefits/subsidies, preventing rent arrears, and facilitating referrals to community-based services for seamless community integration. Additionally, the Housing Retention Specialist serves as the conduit between social services and property management staff.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with two (2) or more years of direct social service experience; OR,
Associate degree in Human Service or related field with three (3) years of direct social service experience; OR,
High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with five (5) or more years of direct social service experience.
Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Knowledgeable of the plight of the homeless and special needs populations.
Knowledgeable of casework/case management methodologies.
Commitment to the mission of NAICA, Inc.
Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups.
Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient.
Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular home visits in tenant apartments and escort to appointments as needed.
Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to assess individuals and families observed and self-identified needs and create mutually agreed upon service plans.
Provide assistance obtaining and maintaining entitlements and benefits, including advocacy and guidance with subsidy recertification, Public Assistance, SSI/SSDI, voucher renewal, and SCRIE/DRIE applications and renewal.
Promote financial literacy including groups and workshops, individual sessions providing assistance creating and managing a household budget, referral to financial repair services, etc.
Connection to short-term rental assistance by referring households in need to the local Homebase provider and other rental assistance programs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with electronic case records, Foothold/AWARDS a plus, and ability to learn new program.
Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity.
Enforce facility rules and regulations to maintain compliance.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Time management and prioritization.
Maintain awareness of new trends and development in social services and related fields.
Perform general clerical duties.