Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

We are seeking a Housing Specialist to assist very low-income veterans, young adults, and single adults with identifying and securing safe, affordable housing. The Housing Specialist will develop housing resources and work closely with landlords, brokers, community agencies, and housing partners to help participants overcome housing barriers and achieve long-term housing stability.

Key responsibilities include conducting housing intakes and assessments to identify participants' housing needs and preferences. Support Rapid Re-Housing goals by helping participants secure permanent housing in a timely manner. Provide hands-on housing search and placement assistance, including apartment searches, viewings, neighborhood research, and housing inspections throughout NYC and surrounding areas. Assist participants with housing applications, required documentation, housing briefings, and appointments. Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, property managers, real estate agencies, and community housing resources; advocate on behalf of participants and help resolve landlord-tenant issues. Assist participants with housing vouchers and subsidy programs, including SEPS, LINC, CityFHEPS, HPD, NYCHA, Section 8, 2010e, supportive housing, and other applicable programs. Prepare Temporary Financial Assistance requests and assist with resources for security deposits, broker fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items. Help participants with approved supportive-housing applications by making referrals, contacting providers, and attending housing interviews as needed. Calculate housing-assistance payments, tenant rental portions, utility reimbursements, and rent increases; conduct re-examinations, verify income, and help maintain eligibility in accordance with program guidelines. Maintain accurate and timely case notes in AWARDS and ECM, update participant information, and prepare required housing-placement and statistical reports. Collaborate with Case Managers and the broader program team and serve as a housing-resource expert as needed.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred. Extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Two to three years of relevant housing, supportive housing, homelessness services, or related experience preferred. Experience working with low-income, homeless, mental-health, or other vulnerable populations preferred. Knowledge of NYC housing subsidies, affordable housing programs, rules, and regulations strongly preferred. Ability to work independently and effectively manage field work throughout NYC and surrounding areas. Strong interpersonal, customer-service, organizational, multitasking, verbal, and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Physical and travel requirements include the ability to conduct field work throughout NYC and surrounding areas, use standard computer systems, and lift up to 25 lbs. Local and occasional travel may be required.