Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Social Services/Social Services Supervisor, the Housing Specialist provides assistance and support to achieve permanent housing placement for all clients. He/she also provides and documents clinical case management services for assigned clients according to the requirements of Urban Pathways and all regulatory and funding agencies.

• Assesses clients needs and develops and implements service plans for appropriate housing placement and support including, but not limited to: supportive housing, independent housing, family reunification, Federal, State, and City housing subsidies, skills, and referrals.
• Advocates on behalf of clients to facilitate client needs.
• Conducts regularly scheduled housing meetings with clients and staff to ensure housing packages are updated and to explore housing options.
• Ensures timely preparation and delivery of housing packages for housing providers and coordinates housing interviews.
• Prepares clients for the housing interviewing process and assists clients to obtain required entitlements and identification.
• Collaborates with housing providers and DHS/OMH on appropriate housing placements for clients.
• Assists clients to ensure a smooth transition from shelter into the community and provides appropriate community resources.
• Serves as liaison with community to build and enhance housing network.
• Prepares and submits monthly housing reports and all necessary documents and reports as required by Urban Pathways, regulatory and funding agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions, as required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in social work or other related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of clinical individual or group counseling experience preferred.
• Experience with NYC housing subsidies and programs required.
• Experience with homeless, mentally-ill and substance abuse population preferred.
• Strong computer skills and advanced knowledge of Microsoft office (e.g. Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Foreign languages a plus.