Housing Support Specialist

Lifting Up Westchester•City of White Plains, NY

About The Position

Seeking a professional, experienced case manager familiar with shelters and housing. The Housing Support Specialist will have a dual case management and administrative role. This includes (i) working with clients (after placing them) in a residence comprised of 14 one- and two-bedroom units which accommodate gainfully employed individuals, some of whom have children. The position also assumes (ii) administrative oversight of tracking tenant lease renewals and coordinating these renewals with landlords. The Specialist is responsible for assessing a client's budget and coaching them on the importance of living within their means, managing their obligations and helping them maintain their housing and employment. Once housed, the Housing Support Specialist provides ongoing support by working with clients on short- and long-term goals and enhancing life skills. This includes identifying barriers that threaten self-sufficiency and promoting solutions to maintain independence (i.e. employment, access to medical and mental health services, and life skills). Makes referrals as needed and support each client, after being housed, depending on need. The Specialist will be working from two locations; the residence and in close proximity at the corporate office in White Plains, so the use of one's car is necessary (mileage will be reimbursed). Working hours include early evening hours at least 1 day each week.

Requirements

A minimum of 4 years of experience providing case management or housing placement for the street/sheltered homeless populations required.
Must be able to create and form ongoing relationships with landlords.
Must be a self-starter and work: independently with minimal prompting and oversight in assessing client's functioning and needs.
Must be detail oriented, possess strong organizational skills and be able to manage multiple priorities.
Possess excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Solid computer skills including Word, Excel, and data entry required.
Must be willing and able to visit and inspect living quarters, climb multiple flights of stairs and drive clients to appointments.
Must have strong basic math skills to assist clients in creating household budgets.
Valid driver's license required including use of one's own car. Mileage incurred during the business day will be a covered expense.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services or a related course of study preferred.
Knowledge of Westchester County resources preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish desirable

Responsibilities

Screen clients referred by Shelter Case Managers.
Evaluate the client's employment history and current employment status to determine eligibility and to ensure retention and stability after client has moved in.
Coordinate with landlords on lease length, rules connected to the housing rental and negotiate rents.
Complete reasonable rental certifications annually for each unit in the LUW long term housing program
Advocate for the client to create a pathway for the client's ongoing stability and independence.
Coordinate and assist with the move-in and set up of the new living arrangement with regular, ongoing case management oversight.
Work closely with the LUW Employment team to ensure job security, fulfillment, and placement opportunities.
Make referrals to and work with other agencies and services needed to maintain housing, employment and overall well-being.
Support each housed client on a regular, ongoing basis.
Create and maintain a file for each client enrolled residing at the residence.
Enter case notes and services provided in the LUW database as needed.
Maintain a maximum caseload of 14 households, including working with other household units requiring leasing support.
(ii) Manage multiple lease obligations to ensure timely renewal.
Maintain timely tracking of rental payments and manage notification process when in arrears.
Conduct annual housing quality standard inspections of each unit at the residence