Housing Specialist

Acacia Network; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Acacia Network in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Housing Specialist to assess housing barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness and develop housing and service plans, including intake interviews and eligibility determinations. Address: 254 Virginia St, Buffalo, NY 14201.

The role requires a Bachelor’s Degree, 2 years in housing programs, and mandated reporter training within 30 days. You will work with HUB offices to secure housing and manage subsidies in a diverse team setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing program.
• Must obtain Mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire.
• HQSI Certification is a plus.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Responsibilities

• Assess housing needs of clients referred by other providers.
• Develop and maintain housing resources; assist clients in finding permanent, affordable housing.
• Prioritize project-eligible individuals for participation in the project.
• Procure and place participants in affordable housing; identify income resources to offset subsidies.
• Coordinate with HUB housing offices; manage timely subsidy payments and one-time payments for furnishings.
• Maintain documentation of client progress per regulatory standards.
• Coordinate services and communicate progress; participate in case reviews/conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Pressure handling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

HQSI Certification

Job description

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion? For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond. We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Housing Specialist assesses housing barriers of individuals experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs. They will develop a housing procurement, financial and self-sufficiency case plan with clients; this shall include, but is not limited to, intake interviews, determining client goals, needs, and eligibility. Address: 254 Virginia St | Buffalo, New York 14201.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses housing needs of client upon referral from other providers.
• Develops and maintains housing resources and assists clients in finding permanent, affordable housing.
• Facilitate the prioritization of project-eligible individuals for participation in the project.
• Will procure and place participants in affordable housing and determine participant income resources that could offset subsidy amount.
• Work in partnership with HUB’s housing offices and under the direction of the Housing Services Director, manage the timely payment of subsidy funds for apartment rental, utility payment one-time payments for furnishings.
• Maintain documentation of client progress in case records according to all contractual & regulatory standards.
• Coordinate services and communicate to team about clients’ housing progress along with participating in case reviews and case conferences.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of (2) two years of experience in housing program.
• Must obtain Mandated reporter (2 hours) training/certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Website info: https://nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx
• HQSI Certification is a plus but not necessary.
• Basic Social work experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work on a strong team of professionals in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to multitask and to work and function under pressure.

WHY JOIN US

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.