Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist - Veterans

New York City | Full-Time | Non-Exempt

About the Position

We are seeking a Housing Specialist to assist very low-income veterans with identifying and obtaining safe and affordable housing opportunities. The Housing Specialist will develop and cultivate housing leads and resources through community agencies, landlords, and real estate brokers willing to work with program participants who may have little or no income. The position will also coordinate with veterans' immediate family members, the VA, NYCHA, HPD, HRA, and other community partners to help ensure housing is secured and maintained in a timely and efficient manner.

Key Responsibilities

• - Conduct housing intakes and assessments with veterans referred by Case Managers and other staff to assess housing needs and preferences using a Housing First approach.
• - Develop and cultivate strong relationships with housing resources, including landlords, brokers, and real estate agencies.
• - Provide hands-on housing counseling and placement assistance, including identifying viable housing options, accompanying veterans to apartment viewings, conducting inspections, assessing rent reasonableness, and conducting neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas.
• - Assist veterans with landlord and property-management housing applications, required documentation, housing viewings, and appointments.
• - Advocate on behalf of veterans with landlords and brokers to overcome barriers to securing suitable housing.
• - Assist with securing resources for security deposits, broker fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items through referrals and completion of initial Financial Assistance Requests for veterans receiving Temporary Financial Assistance at move-in. Ensure all required supporting documentation is included.
• - Collaborate with the broader program team and serve as a housing-resource expert as needed.
• - Serve as a point of contact for landlords and work with Case Managers and participants to resolve issues affecting housing stability and positive landlord-tenant relationships.
• - HRA, and other applicable housing programs.
• - Assist participants with approved 2010e applications in accessing supportive housing by making referrals, contacting providers, and attending housing interviews.
• - Help conduct orientation sessions regarding housing rules and regulations, lease obligations, housing quality standards, and housing-assistance policies.
• - Calculate housing-assistance payments, tenant rental amounts, utility reimbursements, and rent increases in accordance with program guidelines and landlord requests.
• - Conduct re-examinations and interim interviews, verify income, and help determine and maintain eligibility in accordance with federal and city guidelines and regulations.
• - Maintain timely and accurate case notes in AWARDS reflecting housing services provided.
• - Prepare monthly statistical reports tracking housing placements and other required program data.

Requirements

• - High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred. Extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• - 2-3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• - Ability to work independently and maximize time while conducting field work.
• - Experience with social and economic challenges related to housing needs for individuals in lower-income brackets.
• - Demonstrated knowledge of challenges faced by special populations, including mental health disabilities, low income, and homelessness; experience working in a diverse, low-income community preferred.
• - Strong interpersonal flexibility, teamwork, customer-service aptitude, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• - Knowledge of housing subsidies, rules, regulations, and the affordable housing industry in NYC strongly preferred.
• - Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a proven ability to achieve results.
• - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.