Housing Specialist

Brooklyn Bureau of Community Services, Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Brooklyn Bureau of Community Services, Inc is seeking a Housing Specialist to provide intensive housing-focused services to families at the Dean Street Family Shelter. This role is integral in helping families secure permanent housing quickly through assessments, individualized planning, and landlord engagement.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and at least two years of experience in housing placement or social services, with knowledge of NYC subsidy programs preferred. BCS is committed to equity and client-centered care, promoting a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in housing placement or social services.
• At least one year working in shelter or homeless services.
• Familiarity with NYC housing subsidy programs is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing assessments with families to identify barriers and goals.
• Develop individualized Housing Support Plans.
• Monitor housing plan progress and update documentation.
• Conduct housing searches and maintain relationships with landlords.
• Assist families with apartment applications and lease negotiations.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation

Advocacy skills

Documentation abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

MSW or related Master's degree

Tools

CARES system

Job description

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Division: Health, Housing and Homeless Solutions

Reports To: Director of Social Services or Case Manager Supervisor

Location: Dean Street Family Shelter Site

Status/Hours: Full-time, Monday – Friday (some evening hours may be required)

Salary Range: $50,000 - $50,000

Program Description

Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) operates family shelters providing safe, supportive, and dignified transitional housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. Our shelter programs are guided by a trauma-informed, strengths-based philosophy and offer a comprehensive continuum of services—including case management, housing placement, recreation, and supportive programming—to help families achieve stability and permanent housing as quickly as possible. All shelter staff are expected to uphold BCS's commitment to equity, cultural humility, and client-centered care.

Position Overview

The Housing Specialist is responsible for providing intensive housing-focused services to families in the shelter, with the primary goal of securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. This role requires in-depth knowledge of NYC housing programs, subsidy options, and landlord engagement, and works in close collaboration with case managers to create individualized housing plans.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Assessment and Planning

Conduct housing assessments with families upon entry to identify barriers, goals, and eligibility for housing subsidies and programs.

Develop and maintain individualized Housing Support Plans in collaboration with case managers and families.

Monitor housing plan progress and update documentation in CARES and shelter management systems.

Assess eligibility for housing vouchers, CityFHEPS, LINC, HCV, and other subsidy programs.

Housing Placement and Landlord Engagement

Conduct housing searches and maintain relationships with landlords, real estate agents, and housing referral networks.

Assist families with apartment applications, lease negotiations, and landlord communications.

Accompany families to apartment viewings and support move-in logistics, including connections to furniture and household goods resources.

Facilitate referrals to aftercare and housing stability services post-placement.

Service Coordination and Compliance

Collaborate with case managers, DHS, and partner agencies to remove barriers to housing placement.

Ensure compliance with DHS housing placement benchmarks and documentation requirements.

Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.

Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all client contacts and services provided.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field required; MSW or related Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in housing placement, case management, or social services, with at least one year working in shelter or homeless services.

Knowledge: Familiarity with NYC housing subsidy programs (CityFHEPS, HCV, LINC, etc.), DHS regulations, and CARES system strongly preferred.

Skills: Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and advocacy skills. Excellent documentation and organizational abilities.

Other: Bilingual ability (Spanish or another language spoken in the community served) strongly preferred. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check in accordance with applicable law, including NYC Fair Chance Act requirements.

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.