Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist advances housing placement and stability for people experiencing street and subway homelessness through the Safe Options Support program. Working within a Housing First, person-centered model, the position coordinates referrals and housing activities, identifies temporary and permanent options, strengthens partnerships, provides technical assistance to SOS teams, and tracks housing progress and outcomes. Minimum Education & Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, public policy, or a related field; equivalent certification or relevant experience may be considered. Minimum of two years of comparable housing, real estate, or housing-navigation experience serving economically or socially disadvantaged individuals or families. Experience serving or developing systems for people experiencing homelessness, chronichealth conditions, behavioral health conditions, or Medicaid-related needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Housing Navigation and Placement Identify and secure transitional and permanent housing opportunities for SOS participants. Assess housing preferences, eligibility, readiness, service needs, and placement barriers with SOS multidisciplinary teams. Coordinate interviews, apartment viewings, assessments, inspections, lease signings, move-ins, and related field support. Housing Coordination & Partnership Development Serve as the primary liaison among SOS teams, housing providers, landlords, brokers, shelters, government programs, hospitals, outreach teams, social service providers, and managed care partners. Build and maintain partnerships that expand housing opportunities and support timely placement. Advocate with housing entities and subsidy programs to resolve eligibility issues, delays, tenancy barriers, and housing retention needs. Housing Resource Management Maintain current knowledge of relevant federal, state, city, and local housing resources, rental assistance, supportive housing, subsidies, vacancies, and lotteries. Maintain housing resource directories, opportunity lists, landlord information, and referral guidance for SOS staff. Act as the central point of contact for housing opportunities and help teams match participants with appropriate resources. Tracking, Reporting & Quality Improvement Maintain accurate tracking of referrals, applications, documentation, subsidy approvals, placement progress, move-ins, retention efforts, and outcomes. Prepare timely pipeline updates, performance metrics, and reports for leadership and funders. Lead housing reviews with SOS teams, analyze trends and barriers, and support action plans and quality-improvement strategies. Training & Technical Assistance Provide case consultation and technical assistance on housing resources, eligibility, subsidies, documentation standards, and effective housing practices. Train SOS staff on housing navigation, supportive housing processes, vouchers, housing readiness, landlord engagement, and workflows. Program Operations Participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, provider convenings, and collaborative activities in a professional and respectful manner. Support special projects, workflow improvements, and program initiatives that reduce unsheltered homelessness and increase housing stability. Maintain accountability, effective communication, and timely documentation across assigned work. SkillRequirements Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, and Housing First practices. Ability to collaborate respectfully with participants, SOS partner staff, government agencies, housing providers, and other stakeholders while recognizing cultural differences. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to quality, accurate documentation, and data-driven reporting. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and willingness to learn required housing and electronic record systems. Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and as part of a team, and seek assistance when needed. Strong service orientation, problem-solving skills, and ability to use data to address housing and provider issues. Action-oriented, flexible, and innovative approach to housing navigation and placement. Ability and willingness to travel within New York City. Non-Exempt; Salary: $65K This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr