Housing Specialist

Title: Housing Specialist
Unit: Scattered Site Housing (OMH)
Reports to: Program Manager
Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $32.97 per hour (approximately $60,000 annually)
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

This position is represented by OPEIU Local 153

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation's preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year. Our participant population mirrors the incarcerated population in being approximately 85% male and over 90% people of color. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Scope of Position:

The Housing Specialist works with justice-involved participants diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) to secure permanent housing through comprehensive screenings and assessments, while providing ongoing support to promote long-term housing stability and successful community reintegration.

Core Competencies

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune's mission, and will be an effective member of the team in furthering it. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune's core cultural value so that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Communication:
The Housing Specialist must actively listen to participants to fully understand their housing needs, concerns, and potential barriers. This skill is essential in building trust, ensuring appropriate referrals, and developing effective housing plans tailored to everyone's situation.

Resourceful:
The Housing Specialist should possess a strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations. This knowledge enables them to guide participants through the housing process, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively on their behalf.

Liaise between housing providers and participants:
The Housing Specialist must be skilled in building rapport and maintaining positive relationships with participants, landlords, and property managers. Equally important is the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and community organizations to ensure seamless service delivery and successful housing placements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately complete and submit supportive housing applications through the Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS);
• Develop individualized treatment plans for each client and maintain accurate documentation of all client services, including both successful and unsuccessful outreach efforts;
• Evaluate client's eligibility and need for temporary rental subsidies and furniture/moving allowances;
• Serve as liaison with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to ensure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner;
• Act as liaison between clients and landlords to mediate landlord-tenant issues and support housing stability;
• Maintain audit-ready, accurate, and up-to-date clinical charts, including progress notes, service plans, and treatment plans in compliance with NYS OMH, Medicaid, and agency regulations;
• Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to support and expedite the benefits application process;
• Provide ongoing counseling and supportive services to help clients achieve the goals outlined in their treatment plans;
• Schedule and accompany clients to and from apartment viewings and housing interviews as needed, and participate in all client move-ins to ensure a smooth transition;
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, and training as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in social work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related human services field preferred. High school diploma required;
• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, chronic homelessness, or substance use disorders and/or criminal justice involvement;
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, crisis management, and the ability to work independently in the community;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and related computer applications;
• Ability to motivate disenfranchised populations to engage with and obtain needed social services;
• Willingness to perform CPR/First Aid/AED/ Naloxone;
• Valid driver's license with a safe and proven driving record.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements:
This position requires weekly on-site availability and travel to various Fortune housing and program locations as required.

Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.