Housing Specialist

Help USA • The Bronx, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist works in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which helps veterans and veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness develop plans for long-term housing stability. The program supports clients with eviction processes, financial and money management counseling, public benefits, short-term financial assistance, and relocation when needed.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Housing Specialist works with homeless veterans to help them move into permanent housing. The role involves building relationships with landlords and brokers, inspecting apartments, accompanying clients to apartment viewings, and collaborating with government agencies to connect clients with apartments and use housing vouchers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent experience and skills.
• Knowledge of challenges faced by the homeless veteran population and supportive services available to help clients achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and negotiating ability.
• Dependability, resourcefulness, attention to detail, initiative, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a time-sensitive manner.
• Computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in case management, assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge and understanding of team concepts.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Locate appropriate housing for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and complete housing inspections in a timely manner.
• Assist clients with completing housing applications and ensure applications are submitted to housing programs in a timely manner.
• Accompany clients to apartment viewings and assist with tasks related to obtaining permanent housing, including lease signing or renewal, inspections, utility activation, and coordinating moving transportation.
• Develop new housing resources and network with current NYC and NYS housing subsidy programs.
• Conduct and arrange outside presentations of client-centered workshops about the skills required to secure and maintain permanent housing.
• Document all contact with and on behalf of clients in the electronic case management system.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, department meetings, weekly individual supervisory sessions, and staff training meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED