Housing Specialist

Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA); Village of Pleasantville (NY); On-site; USD 51,300 - 62,700; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) is searching for a Housing Specialist in New York. You will help youth secure safe and affordable housing by assessing their needs, guiding applications, and providing essential support in navigating housing challenges. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, 2 years of relevant experience, and a comprehensive understanding of housing systems. This role emphasizes collaboration and will include emergency assistance for at-risk situations.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working with at-risk or system-involved youth.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed and youth-centered practices.

Responsibilities

• Assess housing needs and eligibility for youth preparing to transition out of care.
• Guide and support housing applications across a variety of programs.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of city, state, and federal housing programs.

Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Organizational Abilities

Collaborative Mindset

Knowledge of NYC Housing Systems

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job Summary

As a Housing Specialist at JCCA, you will work across programs and agencies to connect youth with safe, affordable, and permanent housing options. You'll be a housing navigator, advocate, and mentor, helping youth overcome complex barriers and develop the tools they need to live independently.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Assess housing needs and eligibility for youth preparing to transition out of care, including those facing significant barriers to stable housing.
• Guide and support housing applications across a variety of programs: Section 8, NYCHA, supportive housing, City FHEPS, FHEPS, and NYC Housing Connect.
• Track and manage housing applications, ensuring documentation is complete, deadlines are met, and communication with agencies is proactive and timely.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of city, state, and federal housing programs, policies, and resources.
• Cultivate partnerships with landlords, real estate professionals, and community-based housing providers to expand access and options.
• Accompany youth to housing appointments, interviews, lease signings, and move-ins to ensure confidence and success.
• Provide housing consultation and technical assistance to case planners, Fair Futures coaches, and permanency teams.
• Develop and facilitate housing-readiness workshops on topics like tenancy rights, budgeting, and independent living.
• Respond to housing crises by coordinating emergency placements or stabilizing supports when housing is at risk.
• Document housing progress and outcomes in internal systems, maintaining clear, timely, and accurate records.

• Collaborate closely with case planning teams to align housing goals with broader permanency and life-planning strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field
• At least 2 years of experience working with at-risk or system-involved youth
• Knowledge of NYC housing systems and housing-related supports for youth
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational abilitiesCollaborative mindset and ability to build strong relationships with external partners
• Commitment to trauma-informed and youth-centered practices
• Proficient with MS Office and the ability to learn new platforms

Hourly Rate: $31.32 per hour (annualized $57K)