Housing Specialist

Options for Community Living, Inc.•Hempstead, NY

70d•$41,860 - $54,600•Onsite

About The Position

Options for Community Living, Inc. is committed to helping Long Island’s most vulnerable families and individuals live healthier, more stable, and productive lives. In 1982, Options was established to respond to the need for housing in the community for people with serious mental illness. Today, Options serves over 2,000 adults and children annually and manages more than 160 residential properties across Long Island. Options for Community Living, Inc. is looking for a Housing Specialist to join our team! The Housing Specialist assists the Program Supervisor of Options’ Rapid Rehousing Program in the coordination of support services to clients. The ATC Housing Specialist assists homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain housing. The Housing Specialist works with clients to reduce barriers and assists them with preparing to live independently. The Housing Specialist assists clients with preparing for meeting with landlords and conducting housing searches. The Housing Specialist provides outreach to community resources and job readiness programs. The Housing Specialist engages with landlords within the community, maintains a list of realtors and vacancies within communities. The Housing Specialist tracks referrals provided and client rent contributions monthly. Provide housing retention services including identification and documentation of eligible clients, intake, assessment and reassessment of needs, housing placement and advocacy. Ensure access to comprehensive housing support services, crisis intervention, educational and independent living skills services, and health, nutrition, and vocational readiness education. Make regular visits to housing sites to ensure health and safety of clients and access to services. Coordinate with other providers to identify issues and barriers that may prevent an individual from maintaining stability in RRH program. Maintain contact with referral sources to identify program candidates. Complete intakes and gather supporting documentation. Review all intakes to screen for appropriate eligibility. Maintain and update status of waiting list clients. Arrange for submission of DSS housing requests, inspection of sites and maintain relationship with appropriate DSS staff. Participate in case conferences at least once every three months. Assist in coordination of discharges when necessary, ensuring appropriate residential alternatives and services. Track client rent contribution. Track referrals provided to be used as a match for the program. Connect client with resources increase job skills, job readiness. Ensure all clients are obtaining eligible benefits. Meet with internal or external case management staff regularly to coordinate services. Other program or administrative activities as appropriate.

Requirements

Associate's degree in health or human services or certification as an R.N. or L.P.N. and 2 years of qualifying experience, or a Bachelor's degree in health or human services and 2 year of qualifying experience.
Experience with families preferred.
Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, valid auto insurance and access to a vehicle is required.
Qualifying experience: Verifiable full or part time case management or case work with persons with HIV/AIDS, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence.

Responsibilities

Assist the Program Supervisor of Options’ Rapid Rehousing Program in the coordination of support services to clients.
Assist homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain housing.
Work with clients to reduce barriers and assist them with preparing to live independently.
Assist clients with preparing for meeting with landlords and conducting housing searches.
Provide outreach to community resources and job readiness programs.
Engage with landlords within the community, maintain a list of realtors and vacancies within communities.
Track referrals provided and client rent contributions monthly.
Provide housing retention services including identification and documentation of eligible clients, intake, assessment and reassessment of needs, housing placement and advocacy.
Ensure access to comprehensive housing support services, crisis intervention, educational and independent living skills services, and health, nutrition, and vocational readiness education.
Make regular visits to housing sites to ensure health and safety of clients and access to services.
Coordinate with other providers to identify issues and barriers that may prevent an individual from maintaining stability in RRH program.
Maintain contact with referral sources to identify program candidates.
Complete intakes and gather supporting documentation.
Review all intakes to screen for appropriate eligibility.
Maintain and update status of waiting list clients.
Arrange for submission of DSS housing requests, inspection of sites and maintain relationship with appropriate DSS staff.
Participate in case conferences at least once every three months.
Assist in coordination of discharges when necessary, ensuring appropriate residential alternatives and services.
Track client rent contribution.
Track referrals provided to be used as a match for the program.
Connect client with resources increase job skills, job readiness.
Ensure all clients are obtaining eligible benefits.
Meet with internal or external case management staff regularly to coordinate services.
Perform other program or administrative activities as appropriate.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous PTO: 5 Wellness Days, 10-22 Vacation Days, 8 Sick Days, 11 Paid Holidays - yearly
403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Assistance
Wellness Initiatives
Paid Training & On-the-Job Training
Promotional Opportunities
Mileage reimbursement
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account