Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Summary:

Housing Specialist assists families residing in the shelter units to develop permanent housing options.  Services provided by the Specialist focus on assessing the residents’ housing needs, options and assisting the residents in obtaining housing leads and ultimately permanent housing . 

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct housing assessments and continuously assess housing readiness of families. 
• Providing comprehensive case management on housing issues.
• Maintain case records, and collaborate with case management staff to ensure residents obtain the needed support services in obtaining permanent housing. 
• Identify, contact, and follow through with potential housing resources and leads. 
• Establish new linkages with real estate brokers and landlords. 
• Advocate and refer clients to public housing, realtors, landlords and community-based agencies to ensure that clients obtain permanent housing within the required time frame. 
• Conduct housing workshops for clients. 
• Monitor referrals to ensure clients are actively seeking and following trough the process of obtaining permanent housing.
• Work schedule will consist of some evening and weekend hours.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; be assertive and well organized.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently 

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services or related field and two years of experience working within the New York City housing market; or   two years of college plus five years of experience working within the New York City housing market. 
• Familiarity with housing entitlement systems and procedures. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.