Housing Specialist - Young Women's Shelter

Brooklyn Community Services•Brooklyn - Sunset Park, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist works at a 39-bed transitional shelter in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, serving homeless young women ages 18 to 25. The shelter supports residents in obtaining permanent housing and developing the independent living skills needed for life beyond the shelter. Residents can access independent living skills workshops, individual and group counseling, and help securing permanent housing. The position conducts housing intake and assessment, guides residents through searches for permanent or supportive housing, and assists with referrals, applications, apartment viewings, and moves. The specialist maintains housing documentation and tracking systems, provides housing workshops, coordinates with service providers, landlords, and brokers, and participates in interdisciplinary case conferences. The role is full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with selected holidays.

Requirements

Associate's degree, or a high school/GED diploma and two years of experience working with homeless young adults.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, complete tasks on time, meet deadlines, and keep appropriate people informed of status.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to maintain client and staff confidentiality.
Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Gmail.
Experience with CARES (Collaborative Homeless Management Information System) is required.

Responsibilities

Conduct housing intake and assessment interviews for new residents and complete the housing portion of each independent living plan, including reassessments and revisions as needed.
Meet regularly with clients to guide their search for permanent or supportive housing by determining needs and barriers, identifying eligible programs, making referrals, assisting with applications, and ensuring timely submission.
Accompany clients to apartment viewings and assist with moves into permanent or supportive housing, including landlord advocacy, lease signings, utility arrangements, and move-out assistance.
Stay current on housing subsidy programs and attend trainings provided by DHS and other agencies.
Network with brokers and landlords to identify and develop housing resources.
Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences to keep the social services team informed about each client's status and requirements.
Document all housing-related interactions and prepare weekly housing status and other DHS-required reports as directed.
Facilitate residents' ability to view at least three apartments each week.
Record housing documentation in the case management system accurately, completely, and on time.
Develop and present housing workshops and arrange forums with outside providers on securing permanent housing and becoming and remaining self-sufficient.
Transmit 2010E housing applications through the Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS).
Review and update tracking of submitted applications, interviews, selections, and denials, and follow up on denied housing applications.
Document case notes in the CARES database.
Conduct weekly on-site housing workshops.
Maintain and participate in weekly Partners for Permanency (PFP) case management conferences.
Assist participants with referrals and applications for housing vouchers, including HUD VASH, Section 8 from HPD and NYCHA, and HRA City vouchers such as City FHEPS.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Director.