Housing Specialist

HELP USA • New York, NY

4d • $25 - $25 • 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 assists clients with eviction processes, financial and money management counseling, access to public benefits, short-term financial assistance, and relocation when necessary.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Housing Specialist works with homeless veterans to move from homelessness into permanent housing. The role includes 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 homeless veterans and supportive services available to help them achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and negotiating ability.
• Dependable, resourceful, attentive to detail, and able to take initiative and work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.
• 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 in completing housing applications and ensure applications are submitted to housing programs promptly.
• Accompany clients to apartment viewings and assist with tasks related to securing permanent housing, including lease signing or renewal, inspections, utility setup, and coordinating moving transportation.
• Develop new housing resources and network with current NYC and NYS housing subsidy programs.
• Conduct and arrange external 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance through Cigna, including dental and vision, with a family coverage option requiring minimal employee contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) with company contribution, even if the employee does not contribute.

What This Job Offers

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