Housing Specialist

GMHC•New York, NY

2m•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist plays a key role in supporting housing stability and entitlements coordination for formerly homeless clients enrolled in GMHC’s Supportive Housing programs. This role ensures contract compliance, promotes client engagement based on individual needs, and contributes to long-term housing retention. The Housing Specialist works closely with the Senior Director, Residence Management to ensure that all residential units meet program standards and remain aligned with client wellness and housing goals.

Requirements

Strong understanding of housing resources, entitlements, and case management strategies to support housing stability.
Experience working in a fast-paced, data-driven, performance-based environment.
Ability to work independently and think critically is required.
Exceptional active listening skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently within an interdisciplinary team.
Commitment to performing duties from a place of empathy and understanding.
Required: High School Diploma, G.E.D., or H.S.E. and at minimum 5 years’ experience working with clients facing housing-related challenges.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including: Data tracking and analysis for case management and program reporting. Creating and managing spreadsheets to monitor client progress and deliverables. Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation to ensure accuracy in documentation.
Basic Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including: Outlook (email communication, scheduling, and coordination with service providers). Word (creating case notes, service plans, and official correspondence). PowerPoint (preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders).
Experience with electronic case management and data tracking systems, such as: eCOMPAS, AWARDS, or similar platforms for documentation and compliance reporting. Data entry and management to ensure contract deliverables are accurately recorded.
Familiarity with government benefit systems and entitlement programs, including: Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, and Housing Assistance Programs. Ability to navigate online portals and submit required client documentation.
Strong documentation and compliance skills, ensuring: Accurate case notes and service plans in adherence to regulatory requirements. Confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and other legal protections.

Nice To Haves

Background working with non-profit agencies or work on behalf of LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable.
Experience with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a strong plus.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide a range of client-related services including employment search, career advancement, financial counseling, and assistance with benefits and entitlements (application, renewal, and support).
Support the case management team with the onboarding and offboarding of clients.
Assist clients in maintaining housing permanence by monitoring and collecting monthly rent payments.
Conduct home visits and apartment inspections across the five boroughs to ensure housing quality and client stability.
Attend and participate in case conferences with clients and service providers to ensure coordinated care and housing retention.
Collaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans that promote housing stability and support long-term self-sufficiency.
Assist the Senior Director with managing client and residence census records.
Work collaboratively to resolve rental discrepancies, general complaints, and apartment repair issues.
Update and maintain internal and external reporting systems (e.g., TREAT, AWARDS) with client services and property management data.
Complete all required documentation and reports, including HMIS reports, income verification, inspection forms, and home visit records.
Participate in regular team meetings, supervision sessions, and agency-wide quality improvement initiatives (e.g., CQI projects, dashboards).
Contribute to the success of internal audits and funder reviews by ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables.
Act as a liaison between clients, landlords, HRA, HUD, HPA, and other relevant agencies to maintain positive housing relationships.
Support the identification and cultivation of new housing partnerships, including brokers, landlords, and management companies.
Monitor and report on housing market trends to inform placement and retention strategies.
Assist with internal housing team projects and cross-departmental initiatives as assigned by the supervisor.
Contribute to the planning and execution of special projects that promote housing access, financial literacy, or client engagement.
Represent the Housing team in interagency meetings, trainings, and community engagement opportunities as needed.