Housing Specialist (Jail Based)

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

2d•$30 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist (HS) hired for this role will support The Fortune Society’s Re-entry for Individual Success and Elevation (RISE) jail-based program participants with becoming housing ready; better preparing them to secure safe and appropriate temporary and/or long-term housing including emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, upon their release from NYC Department of Correction Facilities. The Housing Specialist works collaboratively with RISE Facilitators/Discharge Planners, who use an individualized Service Plan to identify the participants’ housing needs, enabling the HS to prepare them for housing placement. The primary function of the Housing Specialist is to assist with the preparation of 2010E/Supportive Housing Application documentation for long-term placement. The Housing Specialist will also provide group and individual instruction about the NYC Housing process. In addition to placing participants in various housing options, the Housing Specialist will develop a robust network of housing referral agencies and connect with internal and external providers when necessary to ensure a continuum of care for our participants. Mission and Fit The HS must embody the values and mission of the Fortune Society. This includes meeting our participants where they are, demonstrating our values through compassion and understanding; and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done. Participant Centered, Education & Advocacy The HS will focus on identifying the key needs and housing support opportunities for participants. They have the ability to illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while thriving to resolve participant concerns and issues. They will play a vital role in educating participants about the various housing opportunities available to them, while helping them navigate certain aspects of their incarceration. The HS will also act as a liaison between Fortune and our community partners when creating referrals for individuals in need of housing support. Collaboration & Communication The HS should be comfortable collaborating with staff at all levels (senior staff and peers) within RISE, Education and Employment Services, and other department areas to understand complex problems and create solutions to reduce barriers to housing. The HS will need to communicate clearly and effectively with participants, landlords, agencies and other professionals. They must be able to explain complex housing programs and policies in a way that clients can understand. The HS should be comfortable contributing constructive feedback and be a team player in supporting the team in completing projects. They should be able to prioritize effectively as new projects come up and communicate project progress routinely. Professional Etiquette & Adaptability The HS will foster a positive and respectful work environment, making it easier to promote effective collaboration and communication. This includes being mindful and adapting their communication and behavior, accordingly, based on different situations. The HS will also be sure to be respectful of deadlines that are fundamental to meeting housing needs. This includes being respectful of others’ time. The HS will utilize de-escalation skills to resolve conflicts in a calm and respectful manner at all times, both on and off-site. They will practice self-care to maintain well-being and prevent burnout and engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge. Organization, Time Management & Attention to Detail The HS must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; especially when compiling the necessary documents for participants’ housing opportunities. HS’s handle multiple cases simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage caseloads efficiently.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant work or field of study (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, social work, education or liberal arts) preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required
At least 2 years of experience working with criminal legal system-involved clients
Familiar with NYC housing issues/regulations and able to navigate them to provide quality housing placements for our clients
Demonstrated experience assessing client locating various housing opportunities throughout the five boroughs of NYC, familiar with housing placements for specialized populations, the 2010E process, and identifying appropriate housing in accordance with participant needs, lease signing and move in process
Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, specifically Word, Outlook, Excel and Office 365.
Strong verbal, writing, and negotiating skills, with experience in negotiating program acceptance and rents with landlords a plus
Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and be able to pay keen attention to detail
Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner
Ability to secure NYC DOC Volunteer Services clearance and work within the constraints of facility guidelines, including but not limited to lock downs, screening of personal items such as food and clothing restrictions, which can be changed at the discretion of the Department of Correction

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating groups, especially with criminal legal system impacted individuals, preferred
Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus.

Responsibilities

Meet with individuals in custody to discuss housing needs, assess barriers to housing and leverage supportive services to remove barriers and guide participants toward self-sufficiency
Connect with Community-Based Housing Specialist to ensure a continuation of housing-related services for the individuals we meet in custody with release dates, including but not limited to completing Transitional Housing referrals and 2010E/Supportive Housing applications
Maintain an accurate and detailed list of all types of available housing options and rental subsidy programs
Collaborate with other providers in NYC Jails to ensure the completion of all necessary documentation for participants who are eligible for 2010E/Supportive Housing
Collect housing related documentation and maintain an organized filing system, upload all documents into the agency data management system (Case Worthy) and file in the appropriate section of participants’ folders
Use the DOC Program Data Tracker to document the participants who attended the Housing workshops
Maintain ongoing communication and follow up with other parties and/or providers involved in participant’s success (e.g. Facilitators/Discharge Planners, referral sources, partner agencies, LMSWs)
Make referrals for necessary support to appropriate community-based organizations, advocacy firms, and governmental agencies
Offer housing workshops to participants in custody on Rikers Island to explain the different housing option available to them upon their release
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.