Housing Specialist (New York City Metropolitan Area)

Position Title: Housing Specialist

Reports To: Director of Social Services/Housing Specialist Supervisor

Department: Social Services Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Status: Essential

Location: Queens, NY

1 position in Corona

3 positions in Long Island City

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Specialist will be responsible for assessing clients’ eligibility and determining their housing and service needs .

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secures permanent housing for clients from a wide range of sources, including government agencies, private landlords, and brokers
• Assists clients with the search for available properties and negotiates terms on behalf of clients
• Ensures client's understanding of their rights and responsibilities as tenants
• Provides clients with information and refers them to additional support programs or services
• Prepares and maintains daily logs, records, and reports
• Counsels and assists clients in completing all necessary paperwork, including lease signings
• Partner with Case Managers to prepare clients for landlord/broker interviews
• Assists and counsels clients in regards to keeping their appointments
• Ensures that new apartments are client-ready (e.g. utilities turned on, furniture deliveered)
• Maintains accurate records on client compliance via appointments and interviews
• Must meet or surpass target goals set for permanent housing placements and related indicators
• In the event of an emergency, Essential Employees are required to report to work as scheduled
• Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based upon assessment of company needs

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years experience working within the Social Services Field
• Experience with the Homeless population
• Experience with the CARES system
• Must be diligent and organized
• Must be able to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing)
• Must be sensitive to different cultures and socioeconomic conditions
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and property management
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred