Major Functions:
Under general supervision, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying permanent housing for program participants. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for conducting a housing assessment to determine participants housing readiness, family composition and other housing needs. S/he will provide comprehensive case management, will assist clients in the completion of applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and conduct housing counseling. S/he will escort clients to subsidized housing, realtors, landlord, and community based agencies. S/he will accompany clients to apartment visits and lease signings. S/he will establish linkages with real estate brokers and landlords, utilize media resources such as the internet to identify available apartments. S/he will maintain detailed participant notes and update database. This work is carried out in support of the mission and goals of Samaritan Daytop Village.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Coordinates, develops and maintains linkages with reliable landlords, brokers and realty agencies.
- Maintains updated database of available resources.
- Provides guidance to clients and staff as it relates to housing related issues.
- Assists residents in seeking safe, permanent and affordable housing.
- Coordinates with case managers on client cases.
- Inspects apartments to ensure they are in compliance with city, state and local standards.
- Develops housing assessment tool to be utilized for ensuring appropriate placement.
- Interviews candidates to ensure income, family size, etc are suitable for placement.
- Identifies barriers to housing (i.e.: language, substance abuse, appearance, etc.).
- Advocates on participants' behalf to obtain and/or maintain housing subsidies (Advantage NYC, Section 8, FEPS, etc.).
- Maintains tracking forms for placements; provides accurate reports in a timely manner.
- Assists Case Managers in developing appropriate housing plan.
- Assists in facilitating OOR processes (registration, inspection, linkage, etc.).
- Assists in reconciliation of placements; verify non-advantage placements and complete appropriate documentation.
- Keeps abreast of changes going on in housing market.
- Performs other duties as requested.
REQUIREMENTS:
Required Education, Experience and Skills:
- Associate's Degree in a Human Services field.
- Two years of comparable housing or real estate experience.
- Strong writing skills; competencies in writing goal based/person centered treatment plans and progress notes.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with clients, staff, brokers, landlords, etc.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and EMR.
- Willingness to travel in the community to view available apartments with program participants.
- Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of DHS regulations and systems (CARES a plus.
License/Certification Required:
Preferred Education, License/Certification, Experience and/or Skills:
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Services field.
- Clean NYS Driver's License.
- Knowledge of techniques for identifying and preventing potentially violent behavior, including crisis management techniques.
- Knowledge of NYC Administration for Children Services process and procedures for addressing child abuse.
- Working knowledge of OTDA Regulation for Operating a Tier 11 Family Shelter NYS.
- Knowledge of Clients Rights and Code of Conduct in NYC Shelter Systems.