Housing Specialist

Services For The Underserved, Inc.•New York, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

S:US is seeking a Housing Specialist for its Homebase homeless prevention services facility in Washington Heights, New York, NY. The Housing Specialist is responsible for housing-related duties addressing residents’ needs, from assessing housing circumstances and connecting residents with available resources to supporting housing applications and coordinating related services. The position also involves helping residents access public assistance and benefits, maintaining case records, and participating in team meetings.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in the human services field.
Knowledge of trauma.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently while functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Solid computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
Bilingual English/Spanish speaking.

Responsibilities

Interview clients to assess their current housing needs and status and submit appropriate applications to community resources.
Conduct groups about available housing options, securing an apartment, and addressing housing-related issues.
Accompany residents to housing interviews and housing fairs and assist them with housing applications when necessary.
Provide clients with housing resources, such as landlord contact information and housing programs, and act as a liaison between landlords and clients.
Refer residents to complete PPD tests and physicals within two weeks of entering the facility.
Obtain an accurate history of each client’s housing situation to assess needed services.
Facilitate Tier II interviews and act as a liaison between the Tier II shelter and shelter clients.
Submit applications for available housing programs, including Section 8 and NYCHA.
Handle requests for extensions to be submitted to HRA.
Refer residents to Public Assistance and monitor their compliance with HRA and the ADVENT program.
Assess and assist with client needs related to benefits, and follow each resident’s case from entry through discharge.
Assist and escort residents to HRA and social service agency appointments when necessary.
Participate in and attend staff, service plan review, and clinical team meetings.
Maintain accurate records and progress notes in client charts and ensure they are completed.
Perform other duties as assigned.