Social Care Housing Specialist

The Educational Alliance•New York, NY

About The Position

The Social Care Housing Specialist at Educational Alliance’s Center for Recovery and Wellness conducts housing assessments to determine participants’ housing readiness and needs. The specialist provides comprehensive case management, helps participants complete applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and provides counseling and specific health-related social need (HRSN) services when needed. The role also includes building connections with real estate brokers and landlords, using media resources such as the internet to identify available apartments, maintaining detailed participant notes, and creating and managing a database of housing resources. The position serves Medicaid recipients referred for HRSN and housing services. It involves coordinating with care teams and community partners, providing assistance with temporary or emergency housing when needed, and developing community relationships. HRSN and related services will initially operate at the Center for Recovery and Wellness and are expected to expand to other community centers in the Lower East Side. Flexibility is essential as the services and position evolve. Some local travel for community site visits or events is required; a monthly MetroCard or equivalent will be provided.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Urban Planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 2 years of experience in housing services, case management, or working with vulnerable populations.
Experience in pre-tenancy services, including interviews, housing searches and applications, tenant-rights or eviction education, and case management or social services.
Knowledge of social care, local resources, and health-related social need principles.
Ability to assess housing needs and develop individualized housing plans.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing assistance programs, including Section 8, HUD, and HRA.
Familiarity with Medicaid eligibility, benefits, and referral systems.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
Technological proficiency with data entry, recordkeeping, and screening tools.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Flexibility as enhanced care services are rolled out and the position evolves.
Ability to maintain professionalism in sensitive and confidential situations.
Some local travel for community site visits or events is required.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to Medicaid recipients referred for HRSN and housing services.
Assess housing needs and develop individualized housing plans.
Complete applications for housing and rental subsidy programs.
Assist in finding temporary or emergency housing as needed.
Collaborate with care teams and community partners to ensure coordinated support.
Document interactions, referrals, and follow-ups accurately in the case management platform.
Maintain confidentiality and act with cultural sensitivity and empathy.
Develop relationships with community groups and agencies in partnership with the Center.
Adhere to agency and program-specific policies and procedures.
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and other pertinent events as recommended by supervisors.
Perform other duties as required.
Conduct housing-readiness and housing-needs assessments.
Provide comprehensive case management, counseling, and specific HRSN services when needed.
Establish linkages with real estate brokers and landlords and use media resources to identify available apartments.
Maintain detailed participant notes and create and manage a database of housing resources.