Housing Specialist

Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc.•New York, NY

42d•$27 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist for the Paloma Project is responsible for securing and coordinating housing placements for survivors of domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. This role requires strong housing navigation skills, knowledge of landlord engagement, and experience working across multiple funding streams including performance-based contracts (e.g., HUD, OVW). The Housing Specialist must be flexible, culturally competent, and adept at navigating complex housing systems while maintaining trauma-informed practices. The Paloma Project- Based out of VOA-Greater New York’s Economic Empowerment Center, provides trauma-informed, housing-focused support to survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. The program offers scattered-site transitional housing and rapid rehousing assistance, with individualized service coordination to promote housing stability, safety, and long-term independence.

Requirements

60 college credits plus two years’ relevant experience or satisfactory combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing placement or housing case management, preferably with domestic violence survivors or other vulnerable populations.
Familiarity with performance-based contract requirements and documentation standards (HUD, DOJ/OVW, etc.).
Proven success in landlord engagement and housing navigation in NYC.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience using electronic case management systems (e.g., HMIS).
Commitment to trauma informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Identify and secure safe, affordable housing options in compliance with program and funder requirements.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing laws, subsidy programs, and fair housing regulations.
Develop and maintain partnerships with property owners, landlords, brokers, and housing providers to expand housing opportunities for program participants.
Attend community housing forums and represent the Paloma Project in landlord engagement events and housing coalitions.
Support participants in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities.
Conduct housing habitability inspections and ensure compliance with funder guidelines.
Collaborate with Case Managers to align housing plans with individual service plans.
Prepare and submit housing documentation, including rental assistance paperwork and housing verification, in accordance with funder standards.
Track housing placements and retention outcomes to meet performance targets under various funding contracts.
Enter accurate and timely data into program databases and funder systems (e.g., HMIS, ETO).
Provide crisis housing planning and relocation assistance when necessary.