Housing Specialist (NYC)

Housing Solutions of New York is looking for a Housing Specialist to join the team!

About the Company:

Housing Solutions of New York (HSNY) is committed to making a difference in solving the housing problem in New York City by transforming lives and creating holistic paths to employment so that individuals and families can secure safe, clean, affordable, and permanent housing. Our Mission? End Homelessness.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: Assists clients in obtaining and securing permanent housing through intense advocacy. Coordinate all necessary services including utility hook-up and moving arrangements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Locate and match clients with appropriate housing options, including independent living arrangements, housing vouchers, subsidies, and family reunification opportunities.
  • Assist clients in completing housing applications and ensure timely submission to relevant housing programs.
  • Accompany clients to apartment viewings and support all tasks related to securing permanent housing, including lease signing and renewal, inspections, utility activation, and coordination of moving transportation.
  • Develop new housing resources and maintain active partnerships with NYC and NYS housing subsidy programs.
  • Conduct and coordinate client-centered workshops focused on the skills necessary to obtain and sustain permanent housing.
  • Accurately document all client interactions and advocacy efforts in the electronic case management system.
  • Meet NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) placement targets for the facility.
  • Participate in team meetings, case conferences, departmental meetings, weekly individual supervision, and staff training sessions.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing provisions, subsidies, and voucher programs.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIRENMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in social services, public administration, counseling or its equivalent is preferred with at least 2 years of experience as a Housing Specialist OR

Experience: Five years of directly related work experience in a Human Service Agency or Shelter system is required. Non-profit experience is strongly preferred with understanding of homelessness environment. Knowledge of DHS/CARES database is helpful.

Related Skills or Knowledge: Good organizational skills. Attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and demonstrated customer service orientation. Ability to advocate with strong negotiating skills. Comprehensive knowledge in one or more of the following; DHS/HRA housing vouchers, supplements and other potential entitlements, criminal justice system, public housing and social services is required. Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Computer literate.

Other Requirements: Ability to travel locally and work irregular hours to accomplish essential job functions. Required to utilize near vision ability to read data and documents, including spreadsheets and reports in printed form or on computer screens. Regularly required to move fingers, wrists and arms in a repetitive manner to operate office equipment.

What We Offer:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous PTO
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Employee Referral Program
• Professional Development
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 403b Plan
• 403b Employer Match
• An opportunity to positively impact the lives of the thousands of clients we serve!

Thank you for your interest in working with us!

Website:

EEO STATEMENT: HSNY provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement to all employees and applicants for employment. HSNY does not discriminate against any individual based on race, creed, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, color, age, national origin, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or self-image, gender appearance, behavior or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, family medical history or request for or receipt of genetic services, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or conviction history, or any other characteristic or status protected by law in employment decisions including recruitment, hiring, compensation, fringe benefits, staff development and training, promotion or transfer, lay-off or termination, or any other condition of employment. HSNY is committed to fostering diversity at all levels.