Housing Specialist

Project Renewal; Golden Horseshoe; On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Housing Specialist to join their team at a women's shelter. This role is pivotal in supporting homeless women with mental health and substance use challenges by coordinating housing referrals, providing counseling, and maintaining vital relationships with housing providers. You will be instrumental in guiding clients through their housing journey, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and have a strong background in social services, this opportunity offers a rewarding path to impact lives positively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Social Work preferred.
• 3+ years experience with homeless and special needs populations.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with DHS for housing-related interviews and referrals.
• Counsel clients on housing goals and employment opportunities.

Skills

Communication Skills

Counseling Skills

Knowledge of Housing Options

Case Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Tools

CARES System

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Shelter- New Providence, 225 E 45th St, New York, New York, United States of America Req #1283

Monday, October 21, 2024

Title:

Housing Specialist

Program:

New Providence Women’s Shelter

Salary Range:

$45,000-$50,000 per year

Program Description:

The New Providence Women’s Shelter is a 130-bed 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless women diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities, and housing placement assistance. Additionally, an on-site Article 28 Clinic provides primary and behavioral health care services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Housing Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Acts as primary liaison with DHS for scheduling interviews and other housing-related items
• Visit housing providers to develop and maintain positive working relationships
• Prepare clients for housing interviews, accompany them on tours to facilities, and generally coordinate the housing referral process
• Maintains an updated resource manual on available housing
• Create and maintain a system to track housing applications and their status
• Consult with case management staff regarding housing options for individual clients and adherence to their Individual Living Plans, identifying short and long-term objectives to be achieved.
• Input all client information and updates in a timely fashion into the CARES system.
• Collaborate with clients and other staff to identify and obtain financial entitlements, housing, and other concrete services.
• Counsel clients through individualized and group sessions on issues such as achieving housing goals, and finding permanent or alternative housing and employment opportunities.
• Organize and educate clients through sessions.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A Master’s degree in Social Work or other human services field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience working with homeless Mentally Ill and Chemical Affected (MICA) individuals or other special needs populations.
• Have a growing knowledge of NYC low-income and special needs housing including NY/NY Supportive and Supported Housing, Section 8 Housing, LINC housing, Shelter Exit Transition (SET), Public Assistance, and CUCS housing options. (Preferred)
• Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills.
• Must walk the floors of the facility, traveling up and down staircases.
• Knowledge of case management software, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.