Housing Specialist (Restgate)

GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER•New York, NY

13d•$43,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

Goddard Riverside is part of the Integrated Support Hotel Program. Restgate Hotel (located in Long Island City, Queens) works with families with children experiencing homelessness. There will be one Housing Specialist at each location. The Housing Specialist will conduct housing eligibility assessments, complete housing application packages, coach clients going on housing interviews, and develop linkages with supportive housing programs, NYCHA, real estate companies, and low-income affordable housing landlords. This role involves maintaining and updating listings of permanent affordable housing, developing and facilitating client workshops, and tracking placements with follow-up. The specialist will assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency through housing and income assistance, setting and monitoring goals, and advocating with clients to overcome barriers. Maintaining professional boundaries, responding to crises, and attending staff meetings are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

Associate degree Required
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel
Ability to learn computer databases such as AWARDS or CARES
Able to learn Coordinated Assessment Placement System

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred
Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
Experience as a Housing Specialist strongly preferred
Experience working with homeless adults preferred
Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use and/co-occurring disorders preferred
Prior transitional, outreach, or supportive housing experience preferred
Strong Interpersonal and communication skills
Organized with strong follow up and attention to detail
Team player

Responsibilities

Conduct housing eligibility assessments of all clients.
Complete housing application packages.
Coach clients going on housing interviews.
Develop linkages with supportive housing programs, NYCHA, real estate companies, low-income affordable housing landlords etc.
Maintain and update listings of permanent affordable housing.
Develop and facilitate client workshops and individual sessions on skills and information necessary to acquire and maintain independent permanent housing.
Track placements and conduct follow up of clients placed into permanent housing.
Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency through assistance with housing and income.
Meet with clients to establish goals, action steps towards those goals, monitor and assess progress.
Develop and maintain appropriate records and documentation of services to the clients.
Advocate with clients when they have barriers to overcome in meeting their goals.
Negotiate with landlords and other service providers to ensure stable housing.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with a diverse population with a wide array of needs and backgrounds.
Respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations.
Attend staff meetings and actively participate in supervision.