Housing Specialist

WNY Veterans Housing Coalition, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WNY Veterans Housing Coalition, Inc. in Buffalo, NY seeks a Housing Specialist. The role provides case management, intake assessments, and individualized service planning to help Veterans and tenants obtain and sustain affordable housing.

Responsibilities include coordinating with property management, assisting with applications, renewals, and documentation, and linking residents to community resources and benefits. Strong teamwork and trauma-informed service delivery are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in Case Management and Social Services including assessment, planning, referrals, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of Social Housing and Affordable Housing programs for Veterans and individuals with special needs.
• Familiarity with Property Management practices such as lease compliance and tenant relations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Organizational and time-management skills for handling multiple cases, documentation, and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams with community agencies and service providers.
• Commitment to equity, trauma-informed, person-centered service delivery.
• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor's in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or related field.
• Prior experience working with Veterans and individuals facing life challenges.

Responsibilities

• Support residents in securing and maintaining stable, affordable housing.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized service plans.
• Coordinate with property management to ensure units are well-maintained.
• Assist residents with housing applications, renewals, and documentation.
• Connect residents to social services, benefits, employment, healthcare, and supportive programs.
• Maintain accurate records and reports per agency and funder requirements.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to promote housing stability.

Skills

Case Management

Social Services

Assessment

Referrals

Advocacy

Social Housing

Affordable Housing

Tenant relations

Communication

Conflict resolution

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Social Work / Human Services / Counseling

Job description

Company Description

WNY Veterans Housing Coalition, Inc. (WNYVHC) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Veterans, with a primary focus on Veterans first. Founded in 1987, WNYVHC provides and manages residential housing for homeless Veterans, Veterans with special needs, and other low-income individuals with complex needs in the City of Buffalo. The agency currently manages three apartment complexes with 130 units, offering housing, case management, and program services to individuals who might otherwise face homelessness. WNYVHC stands out through its Continuum of Care model, delivering supportive services focused on homeless prevention and linking tenants to community resources. Nationally recognized for its leadership and innovative special needs housing initiatives, WNYVHC remains committed to improving housing and quality of life for those who served and supporting communities in addressing these needs.

Role Description

The Housing Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Buffalo, NY, responsible for supporting residents in securing and maintaining stable, affordable housing. This position involves conducting intake assessments, developing individualized service plans, and providing ongoing case management to Veterans and other tenants with special needs. The Housing Specialist coordinates with property management to ensure units are well-maintained, assists residents with housing applications, renewals, and documentation, and helps address tenancy issues in a timely, respectful manner. Daily tasks include connecting residents to social services and community resources, facilitating referrals for benefits, employment, healthcare, and supportive programs, and maintaining accurate records and reports in accordance with agency and funder requirements. The Housing Specialist collaborates with internal staff and external partners to promote housing stability, prevent homelessness, and support residents in achieving their personal goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in Case Management and Social Services, including assessment, service planning, referrals, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of Social Housing and Affordable Housing programs, regulations, and resources relevant to Veterans and individuals with special needs.
• Experience or familiarity with Property Management practices, such as lease compliance, occupancy standards, and tenant relations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build trust and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple cases, documentation requirements, and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment and coordinate with community agencies and service providers.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed, person-centered service delivery.
• Preferred education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or related field; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• Prior experience working with Veterans, individuals with life challenges