Housing Specialist

MIDWAY LIVING INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

MIDWAY LIVING INC in New York City seeks a Housing Specialist to help families in shelter units explore options and secure permanent housing. You will assess housing needs, provide guidance and connect clients with housing leads.

You will manage case records, coordinate with service providers, and advocate with landlords and agencies to ensure timely housing placement. Some evening and weekend hours required to meet residents' needs.

Qualifications

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; be assertive and well organized.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing assessments and assess readiness of families.
• Provide comprehensive case management on housing issues.
• Maintain case records and coordinate with staff to obtain housing supports.
• Identify housing resources and leads; liaise with brokers and landlords.
• Advocate for clients to access public housing and related services.
• Conduct housing workshops for clients.
• Refer clients to supportive services to secure permanent housing.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Job description

Job Description

Summary:

Housing Specialist assists families residing in the shelter units to develop permanent housing options. Services provided by the Specialist focus on assessing the residents' housing needs, options and assisting the residents in obtaining housing leads and ultimately permanent housing.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct housing assessments and continuously assess housing readiness of families.
• Providing comprehensive case management on housing issues.
• Maintain case records, and collaborate with case management staff to ensure residents obtain the needed support services in obtaining permanent housing.
• Identify, contact, and follow through with potential housing resources and leads.
• Establish new linkages with real estate brokers and landlords.
• Advocate and refer clients to public housing, realtors, landlords and community-based agencies to ensure that clients obtain permanent housing within the required time frame.
• Conduct housing workshops for clients.
• Monitor referrals to ensure clients are actively seeking and following trough the process of obtaining permanent housing.
• Work schedule will consist of some evening and weekend hours.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; be assertive and well organized.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services or related field and two years of experience working within the New York City housing market; or two years of college plus five years of experience working within the New York City housing market.
• Familiarity with housing entitlement systems and procedures.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.