Housing Specialist

Elm & Oak Health•Elmira, NY

8d•Remote

About The Position

Elm & Oak Health is seeking a Housing Specialist to support eligible unhoused individuals in Chemung and Steuben counties. The position co-manages an assigned Housing First caseload of approximately 20 participants, with distribution across the two counties based on program needs. Services are recovery-focused, trauma-responsive, and person-centered, and include connecting participants with housing opportunities, conducting intake, developing individualized care plans, monitoring housing needs, and coordinating ongoing support with other providers. This is a full-time, home-based position with significant, regular travel for home visits and other community-based appointments. The role combines remote or home-office work with service delivery in client homes and community settings. The Housing Specialist works independently while coordinating with participants, landlords, caregivers, service providers, family, property management agencies, and Elm & Oak Health supervision. The posted annual salary range is $39,123–$47,817. Elm & Oak Health offers a comprehensive benefits package and non-monetary perks, subject to eligibility requirements. The role does not perform tasks governed by a license or registration, transport active Elm & Oak Health members, or provide hands-on care. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, human services, or a related social science field, plus 2–5 years of experience as a service coordinator or case manager; OR an associate’s degree in human services or social work, plus 8 years of applicable experience; OR a documented combination of education and experience demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of community resources in Chemung and Steuben counties.
Comprehensive knowledge of OMH programs and guidelines.
Valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license; reliable transportation; and willingness to travel regularly throughout Steuben and Chemung counties for home visits and community appointments.
Experience networking and building rapport with unhoused individuals and people with mental health diagnoses, preferably in a service-arrangement capacity.
Ability to respect individual and family diversity and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with providers and county and community health and human services organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and manage time appropriately.
Strong organizational skills and computer literacy; must pass computer documentation competency testing for program software platforms.
Passion, integrity, and a mission-driven, self-directed work ethic.
Comfort working independently in varied settings, including client homes, community locations, and a remote or home office, and adapting schedules to client and program needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the independent living and/or disability movement.
Strong report-writing, marketing, and public-relations skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and cultures.
Proven record of strong professional judgment and independent accountability.

Responsibilities

Manage participant intake, including assisting applicants with housing documentation and income verification, guiding them through lease applications and signing, and supporting move-in planning.
Conduct initial assessments and develop individualized care plans with participants; communicate findings and plans to Care Managers and relevant service providers.
Provide ongoing care management and service coordination to support housing stability, maintain case files, and document services in the documentation platform.
Conduct regular reassessments, including home inspections, and adjust supports as needed.
Assess and support activities of daily living as indicated in participants’ care plans.
Liaise among residents, landlords, caregivers, service providers, family, and staff, and help participants establish informal support networks.
Help residents access wrap-around services and benefits, including SSI, SSD, DSS/Medicaid, SNAP, and Section 8; research and obtain best-value services to maximize individualized supports.
Become familiar with lease provisions and property rules, report violations to the management agent as necessary, and maintain partnerships with property management agencies.
Follow applicable Elm & Oak Health and OMH policies and procedures, and discuss program coordination regularly with Elm & Oak supervision.
Build collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and community service providers; maintain resource lists and connect participants with appropriate services.
Advocate for participant rights and access to housing and community resources; support participants’ self-determination, informed risk-taking, personal choice, and goals for independence and long-term housing stability.
Apply trauma-informed care and person-centered planning principles and collaborate with community stakeholders to address unmet participant needs.
Attend and participate in team meetings and supervisory sessions, and perform other duties as assigned.