Housing Specialist

Housing Works • New York, NY

35d • $26 - $31

About The Position

The Housing Specialist assists shelter residents in securing permanent housing and achieving successful exits from shelter through housing search, landlord engagement, subsidy utilization, and housing placement activities. The position works with clients, landlords, brokers, housing providers, government agencies, and internal social services staff to support housing applications, placements, and long-term housing stability.

The role is part of a bargaining unit of Housing Works’ New York City employees represented by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). The union has the exclusive right to bargain over the position’s terms and conditions of employment, and the position may become covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of work experience as a Housing Specialist for a nonprofit organization.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Ability to work with street-homeless and formerly unhoused populations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with CityFHEPS, Section 8, NYCHA, HASA, and supportive housing applications to secure permanent housing.
• Build and maintain partnerships with landlords, brokers, and housing providers; coordinate apartment viewings and housing packages.
• Meet or exceed monthly permanent housing placement targets established by the agency and DHS scorecard.
• Maintain timely and complete housing application packages to support successful approvals and move-ins.
• Follow up with placed clients to promote housing stabilization and retention.
• Prepare housing placement reports and performance data for management review.
• Advocate for clients with government agencies, landlords, and community partners.
• Coordinate with Case Managers and Social Services staff to address barriers to housing placement.
• Provide housing readiness, tenant education, and lease compliance guidance to clients.
• Develop housing leads and resources with real estate brokers, private landlords, and management companies.
• Maintain accurate housing placement records, reports, and case notes in agency and DHS-required systems.
• Escort program clients to apartment viewings.
• Participate in client case conferences to discuss housing options and needs.
• Participate in advocacy and direct actions to address homelessness and HIV/AIDS.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from, with Housing Works covering most of the plan cost and employees paying a portion based on salary.
• PTO accrual begins immediately, with up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• Educational benefit available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED