Housing Specialist - Bronx

Housing Works • New York, NY

11d • $55,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Housing Specialist locates and secures affordable scatter-site apartments for program clients. Apartments must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and HUD’s Rent Reasonableness Standards. The role also supports clients in finding independent or supportive permanent housing and works with HASA personnel to expedite apartment approvals and ongoing rental subsidies.

The position involves viewing apartments throughout New York City, completing supportive housing applications, conducting inspections and environmental reviews, and coordinating with brokers, landlords, management companies, and program clients. The Housing Specialist also participates in client case conferences and advocacy efforts addressing homelessness and HIV/AIDS.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least three years of work experience as a Housing Specialist for a non-profit organization.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Ability to work with street homeless and formerly unhoused populations.
• Dependability and flexibility.
• Ability to maintain a high level of client confidentiality.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with all levels of management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Work, and Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, with the ability to assert oneself.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Locate and secure quality, affordable independent or supportive permanent housing for program clients by viewing available market-rate apartments throughout New York City and completing 2010e supportive housing applications.
• Correspond with HASA personnel to expedite apartment approval and the issuance of ongoing rental subsidies.
• Perform semi-annual housing inspections using the HQS document.
• Provide documentation showing that apartments rented meet or are below HUD Fair Market Rent standards and pass HUD Rent Reasonableness requirements.
• Complete annual Environmental Reviews for the program.
• Collect required documents from real estate brokers, building management personnel, and landlords, and complete Housing Works paperwork to request first month’s rent, security deposits, and real estate broker’s checks.
• Develop and cultivate housing leads and resources with real estate brokers, private landlords, and management companies.
• Escort program clients to view apartments.
• Participate in client case conferences to discuss housing options and needs.
• Assist program clients in locating and securing independent housing.
• Participate in advocacy and direct actions to end homelessness and HIV/AIDS crises.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from; Housing Works covers most of the plan, with employee contributions based on salary.
• PTO accrual begins immediately, with up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• 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