Housing Specialist

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing.

At NAICA, we're committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Title : Housing Specialist-Shelter


Location : New York Metropolitan Area


Reports to : Housing Specialist Supervisor-Shelter


Pay Range: $26.37 - $26.37 per hour (effectively $48,000 - $48,000 per year)


FLSA Status : Non-Exempt


Status : Full-time (35 hour per week)


Role Summary : The successful candidate will be responsible for providing housing services to help clients understand and overcome personal or social issues affecting their housing. The housing specialist will cooperate with case managers to develop service plans for clients to ensure permanent and stable housing and access to community sources. The specialist will be encouraged to be cross-trained and have an understanding of the job functions within the Social Services Department.


Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties :


The Housing Specialist - Shelter is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Serve as a case manager for clients with a goal of placing them in transitional and permanent housing

• Assist in client intake, service planning, advocacy and referral services in the absence of a case manager

• Meet weekly or bi-weekly to follow-up on ILP

• Maintain records and counsel session logs in DHS CARES system

• Conduct housing related activities and workshops

• Provide follow-up case management for clients placed in housing, to promote retention and document outcomes (aftercare mediation)

• Communicate with evening/weekend staff and with staff of other agencies to coordinate client services such as room and apartment viewings

• Develop a list of real estate agents and brokers; established relationships, and make daily contact with providers with real estate agents and brokers

• Submit applications for General Population, Housing Preservation Development, and Supportive Housing via the PACT System.

• Compile and submit packages to DHS for Special One Time Assistance (SOTA), Enhanced One Shot Deal (EOSD), CityFHEPS and Pathway Home

• Inspect client living quarters regularly

• Escort clients to permanent housing or provide transportation Ensure rental agreements are finalized

• Make appointments with landlords and other housing agents to ensure individuals have housing leads

• Work collaboratively with social services staff to identify client readiness on housing

• Treat all clients, visitors and employees with kindness, respect and dignity

• Enforce facility rules and regulations to maintain compliance

• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism

• Time management and prioritization

• Maintain awareness of new trends and development in social services and related fields

• Perform general clerical duties

Physical Requirements :

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.

• Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

• Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements :

• Staff must continue working past their shift unless relieved by another staff member or authorized to leave by a supervisor. Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

• May be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications :

• Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with two (2) or more years of direct social service experience; OR,

• Associate degree in Human Service, or related field with four (4) or more years of direct social service experience; OR,

• High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with six (6) or more years of direct social service experience.

• Knowledgeable of the plight of the homeless and special needs populations.

• Knowledgeable case work/case management methodologies.

• Commitment to the mission of NAICA, Inc.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups.

• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure.

• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient.

• Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.

• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.

• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.

• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity


NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.


Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io with the Subject "Reasonable Accommodation Request."


Competitive Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans

• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees

• Paid Holidays and Vacation

• Paid Time-off

• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D

• Term Life and AD&D insurance

• Long Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)

• Commuter Benefits Program

• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital

• Employee Discount Program

False Statements


Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.


At-Will Employment Disclaimer


While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.