Housing Specialist

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Floating holiday

401K match

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

Gym access

Boxing ring

Short-term disability

Life insurance

Aflac coverage

Job summary

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Inc. in Jamaica, NY seeks a Housing Specialist to help residents transition from shelter to stable housing, locating options, coordinating assessments, and working with landlords.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, client-centered service, with DHS CARES and CAPS systems used for case management. Reports to the Director of Social Services; schedule varies by site.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals/families in DHS shelters or similar homeless service settings.
• Proficiency in DHS case management systems such as CARES; CAPS familiarity is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit cultural sensitivity in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field outreach to locate housing solutions; interview clients and engage landlords.
• Escort clients to apartment viewings, assist with lease negotiations and move-in logistics.
• Develop relationships with landlords and housing vendors to expand options.
• Assist with housing applications using CAPS or CARES; track approvals/denials.
• Conduct housing workshops and coordinate case conferences with teams.
• Document housing activities and progress in DHS case management platforms; prepare reports.

Skills

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Tools

CARES

CAPS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Housing Specialist

Jamaica, NY, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1174

Salary Range: $29.00 To $32.97 Annually

JOB TITLE: Housing Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Shelter Housing Specialist works with resident families or individuals experiencing homelessness. This role involves identifying suitable permanent housing options, coordinating assessments, engaging with landlords, and ensuring clients can transition from shelter to stable housing. It operates with a trauma-informed, client-centered focus and utilizes DHS's case management systems such as CARES and or CAPS, This position reports to the Director of Social Services.

SCHEDULE:

Schedule may vary based on preferred work site.

POSITION TYPE:

Full-Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct field outreach to locate housing solutions for shelter clients, including interviews, broker/landlord engagement, and community networking.
• Escort clients to apartment viewings, assist with lease negotiations, utilities setup, and move-in logistics.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, and housing vendors to expand placement options.
• Assist with completion and submission of housing applications including use of systems like CAPS or CARES; track approvals and denials.
• Conduct housing workshops for clients and coordinate regular case conferences with social services teams.
• Document all housing activities, client interactions, and progress in DHS case management platforms; prepare weekly or regular status reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience working with individuals/families in DHS shelters or similar homeless service settings.
• Proficiency in DHS case management systems such as CARES; familiarity with CAPS is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit cultural sensitivity in a fast-paced environment.

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

BENEFITS:

15 Vacation Days

Floating Holiday 1 annually

401K retirement plan with 3% match after 90 days of employment

Medical Benefits after 30 days of employment with Cigna

Dental/Vision eligible after 90 days of employment

Access to Gym/Weight Room

Access to Boxing Ring

Short Term Disability

Life, Accidental Insurance available through Aflac