Housing Specialist - Domestic Violence Programs

URI Careers•New York, NY

About The Position

The Housing Specialist will assess clients’ housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing. This role involves assessing clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs and benefit programs, and assisting clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing. The specialist will also provide individual counseling, advocacy, and support, and develop and facilitate educational workshops focused on housing. A key part of the role is developing and maintaining a database of resources, engaging in community outreach to identify housing opportunities, and building relationships with government partners and supportive community-based organizations. The position requires participation in team meetings, case conferences, and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords, serving as a resource to the shelters’ social services department staff, and representing the organization at relevant coalitions and task forces. The role also includes assisting with reports and program evaluation, and performing other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director.

Requirements

High school diploma plus two (2) years of relevant training and experience, including experience working with victims of domestic violence; or Bachelor's degree in health or human services.
Minimum of one year counseling experience and two years of experience in housing development/management, real estate or case management.
Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health issues.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to write and record case documentation.
Skills in group counseling.
Working knowledge of women’s issues.
Sensitivity to women’s needs.
Demonstrated ability to advocate and provide follow-up around housing issues.
Able to conduct housing specific workshops.
Knowledge and skills necessary to develop strong linkages with city and private housing agencies.
Ability to secure permanent housing for homeless population.
Ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.
Computer-literate.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

Assess clients’ housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing.
Assess clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.
Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing.
Identify, and assist clients to obtain relevant documents needed for applications for permanent housing.
Provide individual counseling, advocacy and support to clients.
Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices).
Develop and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.
Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities.
Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive community-based organizations.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords.
Serve as a resource to the shelters’ social services department staff.
Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees related to housing.
Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars conducted to enhance one’s skills.
Assist with reports and program evaluation.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director.