Housing Specialist

Housing Works • Long Island City, NY

17d

About The Position

The Housing Specialist assists shelter residents in securing permanent housing and achieving successful exits from shelter through housing searches, landlord engagement, subsidy utilization, and housing placement activities. The role supports residents with applications for CityFHEPS, Section 8, NYCHA, HASA, and supportive housing; coordinates housing searches and placements; and works with clients and partner organizations to address barriers to housing. The position also contributes to housing stabilization and retention after placement, maintains accurate records and performance data, and participates in advocacy addressing homelessness and HIV/AIDS.

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 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 support, tenant education, and lease-compliance guidance.
• 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 end 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.
• Accrual of up to 30 days of PTO in the first year, beginning immediately.
• Educational benefit available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.

What This Job Offers

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