Housing Specialist - Brooklyn

Carter Lard Consulting; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter Lard Consulting seeks a Housing Specialist to secure and maintain housing placements for homeless families in our Brooklyn shelter. You will work with participants, landlords, and case management to find safe, affordable housing, handle negotiations, and coordinate move-ins.

The role involves housing searches, leasing steps, and ensuring HQS compliance, with emphasis on trauma-informed, housing-first practices and community partnership.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in housing placement or homeless services.
• Knowledge of NYC housing resources and subsidies (FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8).
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel throughout NYC boroughs regularly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic records systems.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Trauma-informed and housing-first practices knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist participants in identifying and securing apartments in NYC per program guidelines.
• Maintain listings and build relationships with landlords and property managers.
• Conduct housing assessments to determine needs and barriers.
• Guide participants through viewing, applications, and lease signing.
• Collaborate with case managers to address credit issues or income instability.
• Ensure units meet HQS and coordinate inspections/move-in logistics.
• Monitor housing stability with follow-ups and issue resolution.
• Document housing plans, notes, and outcomes in CARES per requirements.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and promote long-term stability.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and funder reviews as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Travel flexibility

Microsoft Office

Electronic records

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Program: DHS Shelter Program with single women

Funder: DHS

Reports To: Director of Social Services

Salary: $24.29 per hour

Must be Available one weekend day

Position Summary:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing placements for homeless families living in our Brooklyn shelter. The specialist will work directly with program participants, landlords, and property managers across to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing options. The role includes housing search, lease negotiation, landlord engagement, housing retention support, and collaboration with case management staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist program participants in identifying and securing appropriate apartments in NYC, in accordance with DHS program guidelines.

• Maintain up-to-date listings of available rental units and develop relationships with landlords and property management companies.

• Conduct housing assessments to determine participant housing needs, preferences, and barriers.

• Guide participants through the housing process, including apartment viewing, application submission, and lease signing.

• Collaborate with case managers and social service providers to support participants in overcoming housing barriers such as credit issues, past evictions, or income instability.

• Ensure units meet housing quality standards (HQS) and assist in coordinating inspections, move-in logistics, and furniture delivery if applicable.

• Monitor housing stability through regular follow-ups with participants and landlords, helping to resolve any issues that may arise.

• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in CARES in accordance with DHS and agency requirements, including housing plans, progress notes, and outcome tracking.

• Educate clients on their tenant rights and responsibilities and promote long-term housing stability.

• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and funder-related compliance reviews as needed.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Urban Planning, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.

• At least 2 years of experience in housing placement, landlord outreach, real estate, or homeless services.

• Knowledge of NYC housing landscape, including public and private housing resources, rental subsidies (e.g., FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8), and OTDA housing guidelines.

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.

• Ability to travel throughout all five NYC boroughs regularly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed and housing-first practices is a plus.