Housing Specialist

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

24d•$29 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist will conduct screenings and assessments, provide counseling, and coordinate housing placements for homeless and justice-involved participants with histories of mental illness, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS, linking them to appropriate transitional and permanent housing options. The candidate should embody Fortune’s mission and values, exhibiting compassion and understanding for participants and embracing Fortune’s core cultural value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done. The role requires active listening to understand participants' housing needs, concerns, and potential barriers, which is essential for building trust, ensuring appropriate referrals, and developing effective housing plans. A strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations, is necessary to guide participants, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively. The Housing Specialist must also be skilled in building rapport and maintaining positive relationships with participants, landlords, and property managers, and communicate and coordinate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and community organizations to ensure seamless service delivery and successful housing placements.

Requirements

HS diploma; some college preferred
At least two years experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues
Experience of working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (clients and people in recovery are encouraged to apply)
Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills
Possess strong verbal and writing skills
Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications
Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain the social services needed
Possess valid driver’s license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record

Nice To Haves

Relevant personal experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Complete supportive housing applications in the Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS)
Create individualized treatment plans for each client
Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts
Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance
Liaise with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner
Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process
Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues
Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan
Schedule and accompany clients, if needed, to apartment viewings and participate in all clients move-ins
Facilitate housing readiness workshops and participate in relevant training
Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits as needed
Search for alternative options to secure permanent housing
Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

The Fortune Society has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities.
The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.
Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff.
We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service.
Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service.
The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society.
The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program.
Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve.
Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year.
Our participant population mirrors the incarcerated population in being approximately 85% male and over 90% people of color.
Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation.
We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.