Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

New York City | Full-Time
About the Position:
We are seeking a Housing Specialist to assist very low-income veterans, young adults, and single adults with identifying and obtaining safe, 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 participants' family members, the VA, OHS, NYCHA, HPD, Section 8 resources, and other community partners to help ensure housing is secured and maintained in a timely and efficient manner.
Responsibilities

• Conduct housing intakes and assessments with participants referred by Case Managers and other staff to assess housing needs and preferences.
• Support the Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program in meeting its goal of obtaining permanent housing for 51% of program participants within 30 days of admission.
• Assist participants with landlord and property-management housing applications, including securing required documentation and accompanying participants to housing briefings.
• Provide hands-on assistance with housing searches, including accompanying participants to apartment viewings and conducting neighborhood research throughout New York City and surrounding areas.
• Advocate on behalf of participants with landlords and brokers to address barriers or challenges to securing suitable housing.
• Assist with securing resources for security deposits, broker fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items.
• Prepare Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) requests for RRH short-term subsidies and related expenses, ensuring all required supporting documentation is included.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community resources, landlords, property managers, and real estate agencies.
• 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.
• Identify apartments, landlords, and real estate agencies as referral resources and perform housing inspections for relocations into new units throughout NYC and surrounding areas.
• Assist participants with referrals and applications for housing vouchers and subsidy programs, including SEPS, LINC, CityFEPS, HPD, NYCHA, Section 8, 2010e, and other applicable programs.
• Assist participants with approved 2010e applications in accessing supportive housing by making referrals, contacting providers, and attending housing interviews.
• Help conduct orientation sessions for new participants 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 and ECM to reflect housing services provided.
• Maintain and update participant and tenant information in electronic databases.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports and other required program data.

• 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 the housing needs of 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 New York City strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a proven ability to achieve results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.