Housing Specialist

HEARTSHARE HUMAN SERVICES OF NEW YORK•New York, NY

5d•$26 - $28

About The Position

We are seeking a Housing Specialist to join our HSVS' team. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Development, the Housing Specialist will assist youth in their transition out of foster care and into independent living. The ideal candidate should have strong organizational skills and be able to closely monitor and track the application process of multiple youth simultaneously. Be able to build rapport and trust with youth to help ensure they are fully engaged throughout the transition process. Utilize the Fair Futures model in order to provide comprehensive support to youth during this transition process. Take ownership of the independent living skills by running workshops and coaching youth around independence. The Specialist is an essential member of the Youth Development team and is expected to collaborate with coaches to support youth and help with monthly events. The Housing Specialist will also work closely with Case Planners who will be responsible for setting up external partnerships within the NYC housing community. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for collecting and analyzing data to drive the work with the youth they support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum two-three years of required experience working in social work, public housing, and foster care systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
Computer skills - flexibility in working on assignments, stays on task and meets deadlines, strong analytical skills, creative and critical thinker, and ability to stay organized.
Experience and confidence with working with data, and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Personal & Interpersonal Skills - self-motivated, team player, able to relate with teens and young adults, able to manage stress, and able to see value in and promote diversity in others.
Passionate about delivering friendly, flexible, compassionate, and effective services to youth in foster care.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with foster care youth that have aged out of care. Preferred.
Experience preferred in NYCHA and supportive housing programs.

Responsibilities

Uses positive approaches when handling difficult situations.
Serves as role model for program participants.
Remains sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of program participants and staff.
Participates in in-service trainings and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development.
Attends external trainings and workshops at direction of management
Assist young people who are aging out of the foster care system with applying to all forms of housing.
Monitor youths' application status and follow-up with NYCHA and supportive housing residences, as needed, in order to help them obtain housing.
Help youths apply to permanent housing, when applicable, by helping them obtain Section 8 vouchers, apply to the NYC affordable housing lottery, and search for other forms of housing.
Build collaborative relationships and coordinate with internal partners (such as the youths' Coaches and Case Planners) and external partners (such as NYCHA and supportive housing staff) to assist with the goal of obtaining housing and transitioning out of care.
Develop and implement Housing themed workshops for youth who are aging out of foster care or have aged out to ensure they have the quintessential skills needed to live on their own successfully and attend other Youth Development Workshops and events to get to know youth and support other Specialist and Coaches.
Assist youth with the application and acquisition of grants and vouchers to help make the transition to independent living easier
Accompany youth to important appointments such as housing interviews and furniture shopping.
Collaborate with youth to build a comprehensive plan for independent living including budgeting, maintaining housing, connecting with community resources, and managing adult life.
Support youths in the obtainment of vital records needed for housing and other purposes.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of housing applications, discharge grants, housing subsidies, emergency grants, and interactions with youth.
Support projects and initiatives for the Youth Development Team.
Performs additional duties as assigned, within the scope of the role.

Benefits

Rewarding Work in a team environment.
Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
Tuition Assistance Program.
Professional Development opportunities.
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