HOUSING COUNSELOR - Central Islip, NY

Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.; North Great River (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. is seeking a Housing Specialist to provide housing stabilization and tenancy sustaining services to Medicaid members in New York.

The role includes assessing housing needs, case management, and coordinating access to enhanced housing services such as rent and utility assistance. Responsibilities include intake, eligibility verification, documentation review, landlord coordination, and maintaining confidential records while ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong case management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate professionally with members, landlords, providers, and agencies.
• Experience with diverse populations and meeting documentation deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Accept, track, and manage referrals for Tenancy Sustaining Services.
• Verify eligibility and complete intake procedures.
• Conduct Housing Intake and Stabilization Assessments to identify needs and services.
• Collect and review required housing and financial documentation to determine eligibility.
• Provide housing-focused case management and tenancy sustaining services, including eviction prevention and lease renewal assistance.
• Coordinate with landlords, utilities, community organizations and service providers.
• Conduct housing habitability inspections and ensure quality standards.
• Maintain monthly contact with active members to monitor progress and identify needs.
• Document assessments, interactions, services, referrals, and outcomes in Unite Us.

Skills

Case management

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Diversity experience

Deadline management

Education

High School diploma

Associate/Bachelor’s preferred

Tools

Unite Us

Job description

Description

Responsible for providing housing stabilization and tenancy sustaining services to eligible Medicaid members. The Housing Specialist will assess members' housing needs, provide housing-focused case management, assist members in maintaining safe and stable housing, and coordinate access to Enhanced Housing Services, including Tenancy Sustaining Services, Rent Assistance, and Utility Assistance.

Major Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing housing stabilization and tenancy sustaining services to eligible Medicaid members. The Housing Specialist will assess members' housing needs, provide housing-focused case management, assist members in maintaining safe and stable housing, and coordinate access to Enhanced Housing Services, including Tenancy Sustaining Services, Rent Assistance, and Utility Assistance.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Accept, track, and manage referrals for Tenancy Sustaining Services.
• Verify member eligibility and Social Care Coverage and complete required intake procedures.
• Conduct the Housing Intake and Stabilization Assessment to identify housing needs, potential obstacles, financial hardship, and appropriate services.
• Collect and review all required housing and financial documentation, including lease agreements, proof of household income, rent payment history, documentation of rent arrears, utility account documentation, and financial hardship verification. Calculate and verify household income as required to determine eligibility for applicable housing assistance.
• Provide housing-focused case management and tenancy sustaining services, including tenant education, eviction prevention, lease renewal assistance, dispute resolution, and connection to legal and community resources.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, utility companies, community organizations, and other service providers to address member housing needs.
• Conduct housing habitability inspections, as required, and ensure applicable housing quality standards are met.
• Maintain at least monthly contact with each active member to monitor progress toward housing stabilization and identify additional needs or resources.
• Accurately document/upload member assessments, interactions, services, referrals, financial assistance, supporting documents and housing outcomes in Unite Us.
• Ensure services and documentation comply with HEALI authorization, service-unit, billing, and program requirements.
• Maintain member confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, EOC policies and procedures, HEALI requirements, and applicable federal and New York State regulations.
• Attend/participate in relevant trainings, in-services, meetings, and professional development opportunities as required by EOC, HEALI, and program guidelines to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills.
• Participate in case reviews, quality improvement activities, program monitoring, and performance reviews as required.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned by EOC.

Qualifications

• Strong case management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of housing systems, rental assistance programs, eviction prevention resources, public benefits, and community resources.
• Ability to communicate professionally with members, landlords, community providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations and individuals from varying cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, and community backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain an active caseload of approximately 40 members, prioritize urgent needs, and meet documentation and service deadlines.
• Strong written communication, documentation, mathematical, and computer skills, including the ability to review financial documentation and calculate household income.
• Ability to utilize electronic case management and referral systems, including Unite Us.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, member-centered services.
• Have ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• HUD NSPIRE certification or must obtain HUD NSPIRE certification within 60 days of hire and maintain certification throughout employment as required by the program.
• Required valid New York driver's license and insured vehicle.
• Completion of required PPD screening prior to start of employment.

Education/Training/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in case management, housing services, benefits assistance, social services, or a related human services field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking preferred.

Note: This is a temporary position with the potential to become permanent, contingent upon continued waiver approval.

Requirements

• A Valid Driver's License and Insured Vehicle.
• PPD (TB test required with proof of results; no more than 1 year old)