Housing Specialist

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

37d•$29 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist will conduct screenings and assessments, provide counseling, and coordinate housing placements for homeless and justice involvement participants with histories of mental illness, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS, linking them to appropriate transitional and permanent housing options. Core Competencies Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and fit, and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune’s core cultural value so that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done. Communication: The Housing Specialists must actively listen to participants to fully understand their housing needs, concerns, and potential barriers. This skill is essential in building trust, ensuring appropriate referrals, and developing effective housing plans tailored to everyone’s situation. Resourceful: The Housing Specialists should possess a strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations. This knowledge enables them to guide participants through the housing process, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively on their behalf. Liaise between housing providers and participants: The Housing Specialists must be skilled in building rapport and maintaining positive relationships with participants, landlords, and property managers. Equally important is the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and community organizations to ensure seamless service delivery and successful housing placements.

Requirements

HS diploma required, some college preferred;
At least two years’ experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues;
Experience of working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (clients and people in recovery are encouraged to apply);
Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills;
Possess strong verbal and writing skills;
Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications;
Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain the social services needed;
Possess valid driver’s license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record.

Nice To Haves

Some college preferred
Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Complete supportive housing applications in the Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS);
Create individualized treatment plans for each client.
Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts;
Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance;
Liaison with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner;
Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process;
Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues;
Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan;
Schedule and accompany clients, if needed, to apartment viewings and participate in all clients move ins;
Facilitate housing readiness workshops and participate in relevant training;
Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits, as needed;
Search for alternative options to secure permanent housing;
Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable;
Perform other duties as assigned.