Housing Specialist - Homeless Families

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in

URI's homeless shelters. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from shelter to

permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options,

developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions

and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and

assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with

government and community agencies to help increase clients' access to meaningful housing.

Salary: $39,000 - $48,328.00

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assess clients' housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe,

affordable housing.

Assess clients' eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies,

and benefit programs.

Participate as member of interdisciplinary team in determining clients' immediate

needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase

independent functioning

Conduct regular meetings with clients (at least biweekly) to review housing options, exit

strategies

Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and landlords in an effort to secure a

pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready

families

Facilitate clients ability to view at least three apartments each week. Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing and collect the necessary documents for affordable and subsidized housing.

Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities and maintain a

database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management

companies.

Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including

available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other

best practices).

Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive

community-based organizations.

Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers

and landlords.

Prepare weekly housing status and other DHS required reports as directed

Work with clients to identify ways in which to resolve adverse credit reports

Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars

conducted to enhance one's skills

Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Minimum of one year counseling experience and two years of experience in housing

development/management, real estate or case management.

Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness

within disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with

substance abuse and/or mental health issues.

Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting

Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to write and record case

documentation, skills in group counseling, working knowledge of family issues,

sensitivity to the needs of homeless families, have a demonstrated ability to advocate

and provide follow-up around housing issues, and able to conduct housing specific

workshops.

Possess knowledge and skills necessary to develop strong linkages with city

and private housing agencies as well as the ability to secure permanent housing for

homeless population.

Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed

Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Worksite address

new york, NY, 10261, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.