Housing Specialist

Job Title: Housing Specialist Status: Non-Exempt Title of Direct Supervisor: Supportive Housing Program Manager Starting Pay: $20/hr Job Summary: The Housing Specialist is a member of a multi-disciplinary program with the purpose of providing a spectrum of administrative services to housing and homeless service teams across the agency. This position works with individuals who are challenged by homelessness, mental illness and/or substance abuse. This position also plays a key role in ensuring programs are complying with all applicable laws, regulations and contract requirements. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human Services related degree preferred OR Associate’s degree in Human Services or related area with 2 years full time work experience or its part-time equivalent working with persons that were homeless or underserved OR High School Diploma with at least 5 years full time work related experience or its part-time equivalent working with persons that were homeless or underserved will be considered Familiarity with subsidized housing system and experience working with individuals challenged by homelessness, mental illness and/or substance abuse desired Experience working in social services, specifically with individuals who are impacted by homelessness, mental illness and/or substance abuse Knowledge of current HUD housing guidelines preferred, but not required Knowledge of current local and state tenant rights Possession of a valid NYS driver’s license and a driver’s record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier and availability of a car for daily use including transporting clients to appointments, etc. Effective oral and written communication, ability to establish priorities, work independently, manage multiple tasks Strong mathematical skills and excellent organizational skills with attention to detail Subsidized housing program expertise preferred Ability to enter data in multiple electronic information systems. Essential Functions: Initiate and maintain positive relationships with landlords, acting as an intermediary to find appropriate housing for PCHO’s PSH clients. Provide education and training to both landlords and clients participating in PSH programs as needed. In conjunction with the HSC, conduct intake procedures to participant’s referred from the CoC priority list. During this process, verify documentation of homelessness, disability verification and ensure all other required documents are obtained per HUD guidelines. During the intake process with participant, explain what client share is, what their share is, how it is calculated, and how it is billed/collected. Complete Landlord Statement and submit to DHS when applicable. Maintain a list of available rental units in Monroe County and distribute the list to agency on a weekly basis. When needed, work with the HSC’s to identify suitable units for their specific clients. Must complete the Move-in and Move-Out checklist with HSC once a unit is ready for occupancy and again upon vacancy. Conduct initial and subsequent annual property inspections with the HSC, and income certifications for households according to HUD guidelines. Photos of each room of the unit must be taken during the initial move-in inspection, during annual inspections and move-out inspections to properly document condition of the unit. Photos are to be taken with work phone and stored in participant’s file. If damage of the unit is identified during any one of the inspections, additional photos may be taken of the damaged area(s). The HS will then communicate this information via email to the HSC and supervisor. Oversee the monthly rent roll for PSH programs. Facilitate monthly meetings with supervisor and HSC’s to ensure all information is up to date and accurate. Once completed, submit to supervisor by 25th of each month. Review and process new leases and lease renewals in compliance with HUD guidelines. Ensure that any other supporting documents including, but not limited to; lease addendums, over FMR forms, lease checklists, utility allowances, check requests for security deposits and initial rents, and guarantee letters, are completed prior to submitting to supervisor. Once the lease is fully executed provide a copy to the landlord, place hard copy in the client file and update Active Lease spreadsheet. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Employer’s Disclaimer: All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “atwill” relationship. #J-18808-Ljbffr