Housing Specialist - Bronx

Housing Works • Bronx, NY

1d

About The Position

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

The position also conducts semi-annual housing inspections, verifies rent compliance with HUD standards, completes annual Environmental Reviews, and coordinates documentation and payments related to apartment placements. The Housing Specialist develops housing leads and resources, accompanies clients to apartment viewings, participates in case conferences, and supports advocacy and direct action to address homelessness and HIV/AIDS.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least three years of work experience as a Housing Specialist for a nonprofit 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, Word, 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 market-rate apartments throughout New York City.
• Complete 2010e supportive housing applications.
• Correspond with HASA personnel to expedite apartment approval and the issuing of ongoing rental subsidies.
• Perform semi-annual housing inspections using HQS documents.
• Provide documentation showing that apartments meet or fall below HUD Fair Market Rent standards and satisfy 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.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from, with Housing Works covering most of the plan cost and 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
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED