Housing Specialist

Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health services agency in New York is looking for a Housing Specialist to assist program participants in finding permanent housing. The role involves conducting housing assessments, providing case management, and advocating for housing subsidies. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and some experience in housing or real estate, particularly with city organizations. Excellent communication and computer skills are required, along with a willingness to participate in training and a flexible work schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Six months to one year of relevant housing or real estate experience, preferably with NYC DHS.
• Willingness to participate in CPR and First Aid training.

Responsibilities

• Identify permanent housing for program participants.
• Conduct housing assessments and provide case management.
• Advocate for participants to obtain housing subsidies.

Skills

Communication skills

Housing assessment

Case management

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Employer: Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc.

Location: New York, NY

Pay: $25.46 per hour

Overview

A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the greater New York Area. Samaritan Daytop Village serves over 33,000 New Yorkers annually within your neighborhoods and communities so our success depends on those we employ.

Role

Under the general direction of the Program Director or Designee, the Housing Specialist identifies permanent housing for program participants. The Specialist conducts housing assessments to determine participants’ housing readiness, family composition, and other housing needs, provides comprehensive case management, assists clients in completing applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and conducts housing counseling.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development and maintain linkages with reliable landlords, brokers, and realty agencies.
• Maintain an updated database of available resources.
• Guide clients and staff regarding housing-related issues.
• Assist residents in seeking safe, permanent, and affordable housing.
• Coordinate with case managers on client cases.
• Inspect apartments to ensure compliance with city, state, and local standards.
• Interview candidates to ensure income, family size, etc., and determine suitability for placement.
• Identify barriers to housing (e.g., language, substance abuse, appearance).
• Advocate on participants’ behalf to obtain and/or maintain housing subsidies (Advantage NYC, Section 8, FEPS, etc.).
• Maintain tracking forms for placements; provide accurate reports promptly.
• Assist Case Managers in developing appropriate housing plans.
• Facilitate OOR processes (registration, inspection, linkage, etc.).
• Reconcile placements; verify non-advantage placements and complete appropriate documentation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Six months to one year of comparable housing or real estate experience working with the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or other city‑operated organizations.
• Willingness to participate in CPR and First Aid training.
• Willingness to travel in the community to view available apartments with program participants.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule as needed in response to participant and staff needs.
• Computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHR.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.