Housing Specialist, Rapid Transition Housing (59383)

ARISE/EFR partners with people with disabilities to advance independence and remove barriers through advocacy and services so every person has the freedom to pursue the life they choose.


The Rapid Transition Housing program provides support to individuals who are unhoused or housing vulnerable and are seeking permanent housing in the community. The program provides support services and rental assistance to eligible individuals in Onondaga and surrounding counties. The Housing Specialist assists participant with locating and securing suitable housing and preparing the home for move in. The Housing Specialist works closely with the Independent Living Specialist to secure services which help maintain stable housing in a person's chosen community setting. This position serves primarily Onondaga County, and occasional travel to surrounding counties.


Essential Functions:

• Accept and respond timely to referrals from community partners
• Determine RTH eligibility and assist with the search for and securing housing that will meet the needs of the individual such as affordability, accessibility and location.
• Follow RTH procedures for the inspection of apartments/homes and approval of subsidy.
• Work with participants to identify needed community transition services (CTS) including security deposits, utility deposits and essential household furnishing; follow RTH procedure for approval of CTS.
• Purchase needed household furnishings and set up the home to ensure a safe move in for the participant
• Take direction from ARISE-EFR Housing Manager and the Technical Assistance Team at NYAIL to meet all program requirements
• Collaborate closely with the program's Independent Living Specialist to ensure critical participant needs are met to live successfully in their home
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with housing developers, apartment managers and landlords to further the understanding of the program and increase the availability of affordable and accessible housing.
• Help identify strategies and goals for local outreach, and identify partnerships to be developed, both statewide and locally; provide community education to raise awareness of the program and its services
• Complete and submit all required program and reporting documentation accurately and on time
• Attend required training and meetings as directed by supervisor or funding agency
• Maintain confidential records
• Exercise sound judgment as a matter of course and hold protected health information and other sensitive information in the strictest of confidence in accordance with ARISE-EFR and HIPAA policies.
• Uphold the codes of conduct and ethics as well as all ARISE-EFR policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required, college degree preferred
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities required
• Solid knowledge of available community-based services and housing regulations needed
• Proficiency in Word and Excel, general computer literacy to navigate databases, use e-mail and other required electronic systems
• Valid New York State Driver's License and access to reliable transportation required