Housing Specialist

Services for the Underserved•New York, NY

About The Position

Are you looking for a company that is recognized for bringing positive change to the underserved community? Then come join the SUS family! S:US is seeking a Housing Specialist for our Women's Shelter at a confidential address in Manhattan The Housing Specialist is responsible for Housing duties related to all residents’ needs: Establish linkages and maintain solid working relationships with supportive housing providers, real estate brokers, managing agents, and landlords as a resource for consumers. Assess consumer readiness for, as well as, the barriers to obtaining affordable permanent housing. Provide supportive social services including individual and group counseling, workshops, education, referrals, and escorting in an effort to prepare consumers for successfully securing and maintaining permanent and affordable housing. Provides workshops on ADL skills, money management, utilities and rent payment, and housing interviewing skills. Assist consumers with identifying and securing permanent affordable housing. Assist consumers with obtaining HASA rent checks, paying broker’s fees, obtaining start up kits, furniture allowances, movers, and moving into new apartment units. Prepare and assist consumers with the housing application/interview process, including the HRA 2010e application process, the HASA housing application process, and any other specialized housing applications that may become relevant in the future. A general working knowledge of the HRA-HASA benefits and entitlement system. Knowledge of all HASA rental subsidy guidelines including; the 30% rent cap, exceptions to policy, housing and habitability standards, FMR guidelines, and broker fees. A basic understanding of and the ability to educate consumers around supportive housing vs. independent housing, and congregate vs. scattered site. Provide monthly written reports highlighting consumer length of stay and status, housing placements, lost housing, barriers to housing, and pending housing. Must maintain a small caseload and perform the full duties of a Service Coordinator (see SC job description for further details). Provide accurate, complete, and timely documentation of assessment information, service planning, the provision of supportive social services, and consumer progression/regression toward service plan goals. Provide incident reports and all incident related documentation for members of the caseload as needed. Adhere to monthly housing placement goals. Track, monitor, and report housing placement rates for all consumers. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences as needed. Participates in professional development activities such as in-service trainings, seminars, webinars, and conferences as needed.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Two years in human services field and knowledge of trauma
Good interpersonal skill set, able to work independently and still function as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Solid computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft
Bachelor’s Degree required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human Services or related field preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish speaking preferred
Master’s degree in a Human Services field preferred
A minimum of one to two years of experience working with chronically homeless individuals
Knowledge in New York City housing strongly preferred
Good interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication, computer literate including MS Word and Excel and internet
Driver’s License required
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Establish linkages and maintain solid working relationships with supportive housing providers, real estate brokers, managing agents, and landlords as a resource for consumers.
Assess consumer readiness for, as well as, the barriers to obtaining affordable permanent housing.
Provide supportive social services including individual and group counseling, workshops, education, referrals, and escorting in an effort to prepare consumers for successfully securing and maintaining permanent and affordable housing.
Provides workshops on ADL skills, money management, utilities and rent payment, and housing interviewing skills.
Assist consumers with identifying and securing permanent affordable housing.
Assist consumers with obtaining HASA rent checks, paying broker’s fees, obtaining start up kits, furniture allowances, movers, and moving into new apartment units.
Prepare and assist consumers with the housing application/interview process, including the HRA 2010e application process, the HASA housing application process, and any other specialized housing applications that may become relevant in the future.
A general working knowledge of the HRA-HASA benefits and entitlement system.
Knowledge of all HASA rental subsidy guidelines including; the 30% rent cap, exceptions to policy, housing and habitability standards, FMR guidelines, and broker fees.
A basic understanding of and the ability to educate consumers around supportive housing vs. independent housing, and congregate vs. scattered site.
Provide monthly written reports highlighting consumer length of stay and status, housing placements, lost housing, barriers to housing, and pending housing.
Must maintain a small caseload and perform the full duties of a Service Coordinator (see SC job description for further details).
Provide accurate, complete, and timely documentation of assessment information, service planning, the provision of supportive social services, and consumer progression/regression toward service plan goals.
Provide incident reports and all incident related documentation for members of the caseload as needed.
Adhere to monthly housing placement goals.
Track, monitor, and report housing placement rates for all consumers.
Attends interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences as needed.
Participates in professional development activities such as in-service trainings, seminars, webinars, and conferences as needed.