Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

The housing specialist will help individuals and families with limited financial means obtain safe and affordable permanent housing in Westchester County.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with co-workers, shelter staff, Rapid Re-Housing case managers and the Westchester County Department of Social Services to help individuals and families achieve their housing goals.
• Develops and cultivates professional relationships with real estate brokers, landlords, and property management companies to obtain housing leads and housing resources.
• Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the day.
• Negotiates lease terms with and on behalf of individuals and families. Serve as mediator between clients and landlords/property managers.
• Schedules and conducts intakes for individuals and families residing in Westchester County shelters.
• Maintains accurate written HMIS progress notes for assigned case load. Liable for Keeping folders and reports up to date.
• Identifies affordable housing, schedule and attend apartment viewings, conducts HQS inspections, and completes moving packets and leasing packets. Obtains mandated HUD documents to start or renew leases.
• Participates in assigned housing fairs, internal and external weekly and monthly meetings as needed.
• Conducts housing educational workshops at least once per month to provide individuals and families with information, resources, and skills to help them secure permanent housing.
• Possess strong organizational skills to meet a demanding workload. Must be able to multitask, be detail oriented and be able to meet deadlines to complete requirements of files and contract compliance packets.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Report to VP (Vernon Plaza) 2-3 times a week
• Other duties as assigned by the Housing Team Supervisor, Program Coordinator, or the Director of Housing Services.

We have a total of 4 months to house clients beginning at the completion of the housing search intake form. Each individual Housing Specialist is expected to adhere to the following performance goals on a monthly basis:

• House 4 clients per month
• Offer a minimum of 2 apartments per client per month
• Communicate with each client a minimum of once per week
• Enter two progress notes in HMIS per client per week. These notes consist of apartment searches and client interactions, (see Progress Note HMIS Guidelines)
• Set aside two 2-hour blocks per week in your calendar for HMIS note entry

By signing this guideline packet, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the information presented. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to supervisor Joshua Feinstein for further clarification.

Experience, Education and Special Requirements:

Work experience should include but is not limited to, negotiating lease agreements with landlords and/or realtor management companies and proving housing for special needs populations. Knowledge of applicable state and city housing and disability laws and codes essential. Must possess a valid driver's license. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

Agency Profile & Employee Expectations:

Westhab is a prominent community development organization, providing housing and supportive services for more than 10,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community each year. We are staffed by an extraordinary group of hardworking professionals that are fully committed to our mission - Building Communities. Changing Lives. Working at Westhab is not easy. Our expectations for all staff are high. We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve deserve our very best every day. We are a results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. If you want to apply for this opportunity, it should only be because you feel ready for the challenges and expectations that come with joining this kind of team. (EOE)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe and healthful working conditions to workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Westhab complies with all applicable OSHA standards, rules and regulations in addition to keeping our workplaces free of serious recognized hazards.