Housing Specialist - Young Women's Shelter

Housing Specialist - Transitional Shelter Location: 3rd Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY Reports to: Program Director Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday 10 am to 6 pm; selected holidays Salary Range: $47,000 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Program Summary: The Transitional Shelter is a 39-bed transitional shelter in Sunset Park, Brooklyn for homeless young women, ages 18 to 25. The shelter empowers women to obtain permanent housing and helps them develop the independent living skills necessary for life beyond the shelter. Residents gain access to a variety of services such as independent living skills workshops, individual and group counseling, and assistance in securing permanent housing. Responsibilities Conduct housing intake and housing assessment interview for all new residents and complete the housing portion of the independent living plan, including making re-assessments and revisions as necessary. Meet with clients regularly and guide them in their search for permanent and/or supportive housing: determine housing needs and barriers, identify which programs they qualify for, make referrals to specific housing options, assist with completion of applications, and ensure that applications are submitted on a timely basis. Accompany clients to view apartments and assist with their move into supportive and/or permanent housing by advocating on clients\' behalf with landlords, attending lease signings, ensuring utilities are turned on, and assisting with the move out. Keep up-to-date on changes to housing subsidy programs, and attend trainings provided by DHS and other agencies on a regular basis. Continuously network and develop new housing resources with brokers and landlords. Participate in regular, interdisciplinary team case conferences to ensure the social services team is well-informed regarding status and requirements for each client and can provide high-quality, targeted services. Document all interaction concerning housing. Prepare weekly housing status reports and other DHS-required reports as directed. Facilitate residents\' ability to view at least three apartments each week. Ensure all documentation related to housing is recorded in the case management system in a timely, organized, and complete manner. Develop and present housing workshops and arrange forums with outside providers to provide information on topics related to securing permanent housing and becoming/self-sufficient. Transmit 2010E housing applications via the Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS). Review and update the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews, and selections or denials; perform follow-up on any denial of housing applications submitted to providers. Document case notes in CARES database. Conduct weekly on-site housing workshops. Maintain and participate in the weekly Partners for Permanency (PFP) case management conferences. Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Director. Assist participants with referrals and applications for housing vouchers including HUD VASH, Section 8 from HPD and NYCHA, and City vouchers through HRA such as City FHEPS. Qualifications Associate's Degree or High School/GED Diploma and two (2) years of experience working with homeless young adults. Ability to keep track of multiple priorities, complete tasks on time, meet deadlines and keep the appropriate people informed of the status. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Maintain client and staff confidentiality. Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, etc.). Experience with CARES - Collaborative Homeless Management Information System - required. BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Brooklyn Community Services