Housing Retention Specialist

Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 37,195 - 37,842; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits

403(b) Retirement Savings Plans

Paid Holidays and Vacation

Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)

Job summary

A community service organization in New York is seeking a Housing Retention Specialist to provide essential support to formerly homeless families. This part-time role entails managing a caseload, conducting home visits, and assisting clients in gaining and maintaining access to benefits. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree or substantial social service experience, along with strong advocacy, financial literacy, and case management skills. Join us in helping families achieve long-term housing stability through tailored support and community integration.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with two or more years of direct social service experience.
• Experience with social services and case management methodologies.
• Committed to the mission of NAICA, Inc.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular home visits and escort tenants to appointments.
• Develop mutually agreed upon service plans for clients.
• Assist clients with obtaining entitlements and benefits.

Skills

Client Advocacy

Financial Literacy

Case Management

Community Integration

Education

Baccalaureate degree in Social Work or related field

Associate degree with three years experience

High School Diploma with five years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Foothold/AWARDS

Job description

Reports to: Assistant Director/Housing Retention Coordinator

Pay Range: $27.00 - $27.47 per hour

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Status: Part-time (< 35 hours)

Role Summary: The Housing Retention Specialist will execute supportive services within NAICA’s "light touch" supportive housing program. Their interventions aim to facilitate long-term housing stability, assisting formerly homeless families in averting eviction and avoiding a return to shelter. Managing a caseload of up to 20 households comprising formerly homeless individuals and families, the Specialist will conduct bi-weekly home visits post-move-in. As households acclimate to their new residences, service levels will be tailored accordingly, ensuring appropriateness for each household. Emphasizing prevention, efforts will focus on sustaining benefits/subsidies, preventing rent arrears, and facilitating referrals to community-based services for seamless community integration. Additionally, the Housing Retention Specialist serves as the conduit between social services and property management staff.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties

The Housing Retention Specialist is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Conduct regular home visits in tenant apartments and escort to appointments as needed.
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to assess individuals and families observed and self-identified needs and create mutually agreed upon service plans.
• Provide assistance obtaining and maintaining entitlements and benefits, including advocacy and guidance with subsidy recertification, Public Assistance, SSI/SSDI, voucher renewal, and SCRIE/DRIE applications and renewal.
• Promote financial literacy including groups and workshops, individual sessions providing assistance creating and managing a household budget, referral to financial repair services, etc.
• Connection to short-term rental assistance by referring households in need to the local Homebase provider and other rental assistance programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with electronic case records, Foothold/AWARDS a plus, and ability to learn new program.
• Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity.
• Enforce facility rules and regulations to maintain compliance.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Maintain awareness of new trends and development in social services and related fields.
• Perform general clerical duties.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.
• Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed
• While standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, employees may be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with two (2) or more years of direct social service experience; OR,
• Associate degree in Human Service or related field with three (3) years of direct social service experience; OR,
• High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with five (5) or more years of direct social service experience.
• Knowledgeable of the plight of the homeless and special needs populations.
• Knowledgeable of casework/case management methodologies.
• Commitment to the mission of NAICA, Inc.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups.
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient.
• Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to [e-mail] with the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.”

Competitive Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Paid Time-off
• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D
• Term Life and AD&D insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital
• Employee Discount Program

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.