Housing Specialist

Overview For nearly 150 years, The Jewish Board has been delivering innovative, best-in-class mental and behavioral health services. We are unique in serving everyone from infants and their families, to children, teens, and adults. That adds up to countless opportunities to use your skills, training, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of over 45,000 New Yorkers each year. Location: 74 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 100038129, US Position overview The Housing Specialist is part of The Jewish Board’s “A Step Ahead” coaching program, sponsored by Fair Futures. The Housing Specialist is responsible for working with youths residing at the Jewish Board’s two Hard to Place Group Homes, Kaplan House and Cedar Knolls House. Specialists assist coaches and young people in conducting specific, specialized, and targeted tasks that will help them achieve permanent housing post discharge from foster care. Under the model, the housing specialist assists youths with securing appropriate housing based on the strengths and needs of each young person. The specialist also supports the work of the Youth Empowerment Coaches who provide intensive coaching to a caseload of youth with the goal of increasing graduation rates, building career development experiences, and supporting the youth transitioning into adulthood. Key responsibilities Work with young people who are aging out to submit all forms of housing applications by age 18. Check-in on young people’s application status and follow-up with NYCHA and supportive housing residences, as needed. Help young people apply to permanent housing by assisting with Section 8 vouchers, NYC affordable housing lottery, etc. Collaborate with the case planner and treatment team on all aspects pertaining to securing housing and the discharge process to housing. Complete all required Fair Futures trainings and agency/regulatory trainings as required. 1:1 work with youth onsite/offsite to develop goals based on their interests and strengths and take measurable steps toward housing goals. Collaborate with residential team members and outside service providers, parents/caregivers, etc., to develop youth-focused plans. Re-engage disconnected youth and/or alumni struggling with housing or housing goals. Establish and develop relationships with housing programs for young adults, realtors, housing authorities, and related groups to increase housing opportunities. Coordinate with Coaches assigned to each youth regarding educational standing and employment when affecting housing requirements and options. Support youth transitioning to adult housing (interviews/tours, moving in, furniture, budgeting, banking, etc.). Frequent fieldwork and willingness to travel within the boroughs by public transportation or agency vehicle as needed. Other duties as assigned Core competencies Relational Skills Ability to work from a strength-based, trauma-informed, youth development lens. Compassionate, warm, empathetic; • A love for working with young people; Strong ability to relate to young people and provide support and encouragement. Consistent and reliable; values and promotes diversity; belief that change is possible; Able to maintain healthy boundaries and remain calm during tension and stress. Successful Specialists Need Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Strong time-management skills Ability to troubleshoot, advocate, and navigate obstacles where there is not always a clear pathway Open to learning how to use and interpret data to inform decision-making Ability to navigate complex housing issues, be resourceful, and work independently Ability to adapt quickly and thoughtfully to changing needs of the youth served Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive agency vehicles Bilingual in Spanish preferred Team process Ability to collaborate effectively in team settings and build relationships with external partners Attend all group supervisions and treatment team meetings Education/Training required Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience in housing services Experience working with at-risk or system-involved young people strongly preferred Computer skills required Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Fluent in OCFS Connections database preferred Ability to learn electronic health records, CAPS System, and other software as required Work environment / physical effort Must be willing to be trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Group Home setting Must be able to walk up/down stairs Benefits Generous paid time off in addition to paid agency holidays and 15 sick days Affordable and high-quality medical/dental/vision plans Tuition assistance and educational loan forgiveness Free continuing education opportunities 403(b) retirement benefits and a pension Flexible spending accounts for health and transportation 24/7 Accessible Employee Assistance Program Life and disability insurance Diversity, equity, and inclusion working groups (e.g., COR, CAAS, LGBTQ Steering Committee) Equal opportunity and inclusion We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams and encourage candidates from historically marginalized backgrounds to apply. We will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship. For assistance, contact human resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr THE JEWISH BOARD