Housing Specialist

Kinsley Power Systems; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Housing Specialist is responsible for supporting refugees and asylees residing in New York City shelters as they work toward securing permanent housing.

This role collaborates closely with case managers, landlords, brokers, community partners, and clients to identify suitable housing opportunities, facilitate housing placements, and provide ongoing support throughout the housing transition and stabilization process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of one year experience in housing placement or related social services.
• Knowledge of NY housing resources and public assistance programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication; cross-agency collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in identifying and maintaining permanent housing opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and develop individualized housing plans.
• Support applications, documentation, voucher and subsidy programs.
• Cultivate partnerships with landlords, brokers, and housing agencies.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and lease obligations.
• Coordinate apartment viewings and accompany clients as needed.
• Maintain accurate client records and housing data.
• Collaborate with shelter staff and external service providers.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.
• Monitor progress and support long-term housing stability.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Documentation

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Housing resources

Diversity awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services / Social Work / related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Search Location(s) Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY, Queens, NY

The Housing Specialist is responsible for supporting refugees and asylees residing in New York City shelters as they work toward securing permanent housing.

Shift Worked:

9AM-5PM/with Variation

Weekly Hours:

37.5

FLSA Status:

Non Exempt

Pay range:

$26.44/hour

This is a Temporary Position.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for supporting refugees and asylees residing in New York City shelters as they work toward securing permanent housing. This role collaborates closely with case managers, landlords, brokers, community partners, and clients to identify suitable housing opportunities, facilitate housing placements, and provide ongoing support throughout the housing transition and stabilization process.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, compassionate, and resourceful, with a strong understanding of housing programs, community resources, and social service systems. They possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills and are committed to helping clients achieve safe, stable, and sustainable housing.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist clients in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining permanent housing opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and develop individualized housing plans tailored to each client's needs and goals.
• Support clients with housing applications, required documentation, voucher and subsidy programs, and other housing-related processes.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with landlords, brokers, property management companies, and housing agencies to expand available housing options.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, government agencies, and community partners to facilitate and expedite hosing placements.
• Educate clients on tenant rights, responsibilities, and lease obligations to promote successful tenancy and housing stability.
• Facilitate workshops and educational sessions on topics including housing options, apartment search strategies, housing interviews, lease agreements, budgeting, and tenant responsibilities.
• Coordinate apartment viewings and accompany clients as needed to support informed housing decisions.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, case notes, housing placement data, and documentation related to housing search and stabilization efforts.
• Collaborate with case managers, shelter staff, and external service provider to ensure coordinated service delivery and comprehensive client support.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, professional development activities, and required training.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, housing regulations, and program standards.
• Monitor client progress following housing placement and provide ongoing support to promote long‑term housing retention and self‑sufficiency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of program goals and client success.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human service, Social Work. Psychology, Sociology, or a related field preferred. Relevant education, training, and/or professional experience may be substituted.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in housing placement, case management, shelter services, or related social service setting required.
• Current college students may be considered if they possess a minimum of two (2) years of direct experience providing housing placement or housing navigation services.
• Knowledge of housing resources, public assistance programs, rental assistance initiatives, supportive housing programs, and community‑based services.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively advocate for clients and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, refugees, and asylees.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Familiarity with navigating New York City's five boroughs and utilizing public transportation systems.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, exercise sound judgement, and manage crises calmly and effectively.

Work Requirements

• Work is primarily performed within a shelter setting and involvees frequent interaction with clients, shelter staff, landlords, and community partners.
• Regular travel throughout New York City's five boroughs is required to attend client appointments, housing viewings, agency meetings, and other program‑related activities.
• Position requires flexibility to respond to client needs and program priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Schedule

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, creed, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.