Housing Specialist

HOME/LIFE SERVICES INC.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

HOME/LIFE SERVICES INC. seeks a Housing Specialist to assess clients' housing and service needs and secure permanent housing solutions. You will work with government agencies, landlords, and brokers to place clients in suitable accommodations and ensure lease compliance.

The role requires experience in social services, with emphasis on assisting homeless populations, understanding care systems, and strong organizational skills to manage client records and appointments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in the Social Services field.
• Experience with the Homeless population.
• Experience with the CARES system.

Responsibilities

• Secures permanent housing for clients from various sources.
• Assists clients with property search and negotiates terms.
• Explains tenants' rights and responsibilities.
• Refers clients to additional support programs or services.
• Maintains daily logs, records, and reports.

Skills

Housing placement

Client counseling

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Job description

Reports To: Director of Social Services/Housing Specialist Supervisor

Department: Social Services Employment Status: Full-Time

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Specialist will be responsible for assessing clients’ eligibility and determining their housing and service needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secures permanent housing for clients from a wide range of sources, including government agencies, private landlords, and brokers
• Assists clients with the search for available properties and negotiates terms on behalf of clients
• Ensures client's understanding of their rights and responsibilities as tenants
• Provides clients with information and refers them to additional support programs or services
• Prepares and maintains daily logs, records, and reports
• Counsels and assists clients in completing all necessary paperwork, including lease signings
• Partner with Case Managers to prepare clients for landlord/broker interviews
• Assists and counsels clients in regards to keeping their appointments
• Ensures that new apartments are client-ready (e.g. utilities turned on, furniture deliveered)
• Maintains accurate records on client compliance via appointments and interviews
• Must meet or surpass target goals set for permanent housing placements and related indicators
• In the event of an emergency, Essential Employees are required to report to work as scheduled
• Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based upon assessment of company needs

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years experience working within the Social Services Field
• Experience with the Homeless population
• Experience with the CARES system
• Must be diligent and organized
• Must be able to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing)
• Must be sensitive to different cultures and socioeconomic conditions
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and property management