Housing Specialist (Baxter)

Goddard Riverside Community Center•Elmhurst, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Baxter Safe Haven is a 74-bed Safe Haven which provides transitional housing to unsheltered single adults as part of Goddard’s continuum of homeless services and consistent with our philosophy of housing all New Yorkers. The Baxter offers medical, behavioral health and wellness services, entitlement assistance, substance use counseling and groups through our Harm Reduction Specialists, and assistance with securing permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will serve as part of an interdisciplinary team working to secure stable, permanent housing for clients of the Baxter Safe Haven.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Proficiency in Spanish and English
Experience showcasing knowledge of completing housing applications
Experience working with homeless adults
Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders
Prior experience in safe haven, outreach, or supportive housing
Ability to maintain a calm, professional, and welcoming demeanor when working with a challenging population
Understanding harm reduction model, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and other best practices
Strong team player who collaborates effectively across departments to support overall program operations
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust across diverse populations
Strong organizational and systems-oriented approach, with keen attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to multitask and prioritize competing deadlines without sacrificing accuracy
Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel
Comfortable with frequent computer use
Able to respond to email communication quickly in a fast-paced environment
Experience with, or ability to learn, computer databases such as CARES, AWARDS, and a Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree

Responsibilities

Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to promote wellness and help clients obtain stable, permanent housing
Conduct housing eligibility assessments for all clients
Meet with clients to establish goals, monitor and assess progress
Complete housing application packages (2010E’s, voucher applications, and Housing Connect)
Prepare and coach clients to complete housing interviews
Develop and facilitate client workshops and individual sessions on skills and information necessary to acquire and maintain independent permanent housing
Work with clients to break down barriers they have to meet their goals
Respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations
Track placements and conduct follow up on clients placed into permanent housing
Develop and maintain appropriate records and documentation of services to clients
Participate in weekly staff meetings, case conferences, training programs and supervision meetings
Maintain an active listing of housing opportunities
Negotiate with landlords and other service providers to ensure stable housing
Accompany clients to housing related appointments such as apartment viewings, housing interviews, and apartment inspections as needed
Connect with outside housing providers/resources (landlords, brokers, DHS, HPD, HASA, and other housing providers)
Other duties as required to ensure the overall operation of the program