Housing Specialist

The Jewish Board•New York, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Jewish Board's "A Step Ahead" coaching program, sponsored by Fair Futures, seeks a Housing Specialist to assist youths residing at Kaplan House and Cedar Knolls House. This role supports coaches and young people in achieving permanent housing post-discharge from foster care. The specialist will help youths secure appropriate housing based on their strengths and needs, and support the Youth Empowerment Coaches in their work to increase graduation rates, build career development experiences, and support youth transitioning into adulthood.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience working in housing services.
Experience working with at-risk or system-involved young people is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Ability to learn electronic health records, CAPS System, and other software as required.
Must be willing to be trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
Must be able walk up/down stairs

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish preferred
Fluent in OCFS Connections database preferred

Responsibilities

Work with young people who are aging out to submit all forms of housing applications by age 18.
Check-in on young people’s application status and follow-up with NYCHA and supportive housing residences, as needed.
Help young people apply to permanent housing, when applicable, by helping them obtain Section 8 vouchers, apply to the NYC affordable housing lottery, etc.
Collaborate with the case planner and treatment team on all aspects pertaining to the young person securing housing and/or housing program, and actualizing the discharge process to housing.
Complete all required Fair Futures trainings in addition to required agency and regulatory bodies’ trainings. Supervisor/program may also add required trainings as necessary.
Work 1:1 with youth onsite/offsite to develop goals based on their interests and strengths and take measurable steps towards their housing goals.
Collaborate with the residential team members as well as outside service providers, parents/caregivers, etc. to develop youth-focused plans.
Re-engage disconnected youth and/or alumni that are struggling with housing or their housing goals.
Establish and develop relationships with housing programs for young adults, realtors, housing authority, and realty groups etc. to increase housing opportunities for young people.
Coordinate specifically with the Coaches assigned to each youth regarding educational standing and employment for the youth as it may affect housing requirements and options.
Support youth with transitioning to adult housing included but not limited to attending interviews/tours, moving in, obtaining furniture, and supporting them with maintaining housing through IL skills (budgeting, opening bank accounts, etc.).
Frequent fieldwork and willingness to travel within the boroughs by public transportation or in an agency vehicle as available.
Other duties as assigned