Housing Specialist

Equilibrium Solutions•Brooklyn, NY

30d•$47,500 - $60,000

About The Position

Our client is seeking a Housing Specialist to assist New Yorkers who have disabilities find affordable, accessible housing and avoid or leave institutional settings. The specialist will look for affordable and accessible housing options in Brooklyn and the rest of the city. The specialist also will guide participants in their own searches and work with them as they make the transition out of unstable living situations into their own apartments to live independently.

Requirements

Professional experience in housing, community organizing, the Independent Living movement, long-term care, and/or disability rights strongly preferred
Strong interest in disability housing issues a plus
Knowledge of local and state housing policies
Effective relationship builder at all levels of an organization
Able to work independently and cooperatively with others
Strong verbal, written and computer skills essential
Strong organizational skills
Enthusiastic to be a part of the team
Support of the Independent Living movement and philosophy
Spanish, ASL or other language skills a plus.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Personal experience with disability preferred.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in housing, community organizing, the Independent Living movement, long-term care, and/or disability rights
Strong interest in disability housing issues
Spanish, ASL or other language skills
Personal experience with disability

Responsibilities

Assess potential participants and create a service plan for those who are eligible.
Help find permanent housing in Brooklyn and across New York City for individuals in unstable housing situations, including shelters or who are at risk of losing permanent housing.
Assist participants in their own housing searches, including finding housing opportunities themselves and guiding them through all steps necessary enrollment, housing search and their move. These tasks include:
Filling out housing applications, obtaining household goods and/or support for moving expenses
Working with participants and their transition specialists, service coordinators, advocates and family members
Conducting follow-up after the transition to housing
Work closely with landlords, brokers, housing developers and management companies to identify permanent housing opportunities.
Maintain a database of available housing in Brooklyn and other boroughs.
With an independent living specialist, work with program participants to set specific goals and to develop self-advocacy and independent living skills to meet those goals.
Ensure all participant data and service provision details are current and accurate and that they comply with all confidentiality and HIPAA requirements, including program requirements.
Act as a liaison and/or advocate with other service or benefits providers for program participants.
Other duties as required, including community outreach events.