Housing Access Specialist — Community Living Advocate

WNY Independent Living Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WNY Independent Living, Inc. is seeking a full-time Olmstead Housing Specialist in Buffalo, NY. The role focuses on assisting individuals in transitioning from institutional settings to community housing, including subsidy enrollment and coordination of support services.

Responsibilities include identifying housing opportunities, helping with applications, arranging inspections, and ensuring continued eligibility. The position requires two years of related experience and a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Two years of work experience in a related human services field.
• Experience in housing, community organizing, Independent Living, long-term care and/or disability rights preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify housing opportunities for individuals who need housing to leave a nursing home or who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
• Assist eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through enrollment steps, including housing applications and arranging unit inspections.
• Coordinate with applicants and service providers to ensure a support services plan for program enrollment.
• Conduct follow-up after subsidy is initiated to verify occupancy and continued eligibility.
• Identify landlords/public/private housing options in the region for future program enrollment.
• Maintain a list of available housing detailing accessibility, location, and rental costs.
• Track and report activities using NYAIL statewide project database.
• Document consumer services in ECR within two working days.
• Attend agency trainings and staff meetings; participate in maintaining a safe work environment.

Skills

Disability awareness

Empathy

Travel flexibility

Education

Associate degree in related human services

Bachelor's degree in related human services

Tools

Excel

Databases

Word processing

Networks

Job description

WNY Independent Living, Inc. is seeking a full-time Olmstead Housing Specialist in Buffalo, NY. The role focuses on assisting individuals in transitioning from institutional settings to community housing, including subsidy enrollment and coordination of support services.

Responsibilities include identifying housing opportunities, helping with applications, arranging inspections, and ensuring continued eligibility. The position requires two years of related experience and a relevant degree.