Housing Specialist

Carter Lard Consulting; New York (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter Lard Consulting is seeking a Housing Specialist to secure and maintain housing for homeless families in our Brooklyn shelter. You will work with participants, landlords, and property managers to provide safe, affordable options and guide families through the housing process.

The role requires coordination with case management, lease negotiations, and adherence to DHS program guidelines. Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 2+ years in housing placement, landlord outreach, or homeless services.
• Knowledge of NYC housing landscape, subsidies (FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8), OTDA guidelines.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel across all five NYC boroughs.
• Proficiency with MS Office and electronic record systems.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and housing-first practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure housing placements for homeless families in NYC.
• Maintain listings and build relationships with landlords and property managers.
• Conduct housing assessments to determine needs and barriers.
• Guide participants through viewing, applications, and leases.
• Collaborate with case managers to address barriers (credit, evictions, income).
• Ensure units meet HQS; coordinate inspections and move-in logistics.
• Document housing plans and progress in CARES per DHS requirements.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and long-term stability.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and funder compliance reviews.

Skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Bilingual Spanish

Trauma-informed care

Travel flexibility

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Human Services or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Program: DHS Shelter Program with Families with Children

Funder: DHSHS

Reports To: Director of Social Services

Salary: $25.60 per hour

Must be available one weekend day

Position Summary:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing placements for homeless families living in our Brooklyn shelter. The specialist will work directly with program participants, landlords, and property managers across to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing options. The role includes housing search, lease negotiation, landlord engagement, housing retention support, and collaboration with case management staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist program participants in identifying and securing appropriate apartments in NYC, in accordance with DHS program guidelines.
• Maintain up-to-date listings of available rental units and develop relationships with landlords and property management companies.
• Conduct housing assessments to determine participant housing needs, preferences, and barriers.
• Guide participants through the housing process, including apartment viewing, application submission, and lease signing.
• Collaborate with case managers and social service providers to support participants in overcoming housing barriers such as credit issues, past evictions, or income instability.
• Ensure units meet housing quality standards (HQS) and assist in coordinating inspections, move-in logistics, and furniture delivery if applicable.
• Monitor housing stability through regular follow-ups with participants and landlords, helping to resolve any issues that may arise.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in CARES in accordance with DHS and agency requirements, including housing plans, progress notes, and outcome tracking.
• Educate clients on their tenant rights and responsibilities and promote long-term housing stability.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and funder-related compliance reviews as needed.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Urban Planning, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• At least 2 years of experience in housing placement, landlord outreach, real estate, or homeless services.
• Knowledge of NYC housing landscape, including public and private housing resources, rental subsidies (e.g., FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8), and OTDA housing guidelines.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel throughout all five NYC boroughs regularly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and housing-first practices is a plus.