Housing Specialist

Acacia Network; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in New York is seeking a Housing Specialist to assist individuals in securing permanent housing. The role involves managing a caseload, collaborating with community organizations, negotiating rents, and assisting clients throughout the housing process. Candidates should possess an Associate's degree and have at least 2 years of experience in housing assistance, with knowledge of DHS regulations. Bilingual skills are a plus, and the position offers a full-time, entry-level opportunity.

Qualifications

• 2 years of direct experience providing housing assistance to underserved populations.
• Knowledge of DHS rules and regulations required.
• Understanding of low-income and homeless individuals and their specific needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in shelters with finding suitable permanent residences.
• Develop and maintain liaison with landlords and the community.
• Help individuals with applications for Section 8 and NYCHA.
• Facilitate the housing process from applications to lease signings.
• Inspect apartments and check status of Public Assistance Cases.
• Prepare monthly reports and conduct initial intakes.

Skills

Client communication

Crisis intervention techniques

Housing assistance knowledge

Bilingual communication

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Job description

Join to apply for the Housing Specialist role at Acacia Network

Base pay range

$40,000.00/yr - $45,000.00/yr

About Us: Acacia Network, the leading Latino integration care nonprofit in the nation, offers the community, from children to seniors, a pathway to behavioral and primary healthcare, housing, and empowerment. We are visionary leaders transforming the triple aim of high quality, and great experience at a lower cost. Acacia champions a collaborative environment to deliver vital health, housing, and community-building services, work we have been doing since 1969. By hiring talented individuals like you, we've been able to expand quickly, with offices in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Orlando, Tennessee, Maryland, and Puerto Rico.

Housing Specialist

We are seeking Housing Specialists who will be responsible for permanent housing placement for all housing‑ready individuals in the shelter. The Housing Specialist will have an assigned caseload and will be responsible for the successful placement of these individuals by DHS' contractual requirements. The Housing Specialist works with community organizations, government agencies, and property owners to secure living arrangements, and negotiate rents, deposits, and move‑in terms on behalf of their clients. The position involves various tasks that increase housing options for people who are trying to transition to permanent housing.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting individuals in shelters/transitional housing with finding suitable permanent residence.
• Developing and maintaining liaison with landlords and the community.
• Helping individuals with application/process for Section 8 and NYCHA.
• Assisting individuals through the entire housing process from application, meeting prospective landlords, lease signing and moving.
• Working directly with realtors, landlords and Social Services Department to expedite lease signing process.
• Inspecting apartments, checking status of Public Assistance Cases.
• Preparing monthly reports.
• Conducting initial intakes and initial independent living plans.

Education and Requirements:

• Associate's Degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2 years of direct experience housing assistance to underserved
• Knowledge of DHS rules and regulations required.
• Comfortable communicating with clients and professional staff.
• Understanding of low‑income and homeless individuals and their specific needs.
• Knowledge of crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques; match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
• Must be comfortable working in a Hotel or Shelter.
• Bilingual is a plus.

*Acacia Network is an equal opportunity employer*

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Non-profit Organization Management