Housing Specialist (Lighthouse)

Children's Rescue Fund; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Housing Specialist at Children's Rescue Fund coordinates client case management to secure permanent housing in NYC. Based at our Lighthouse location in Long Island City, you will use NYCHA and DHS CARES systems to assist families through intake, housing applications, and lease signings.

You will conduct housing education, accompany families on apartment searches, and document progress while meeting DHS housing placement goals. Strong communication and driving record are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelors/Associate degree in a related field strongly preferred; HS diploma required
• At least 1 year of experience in social services, housing services, counseling, crisis intervention, or related field
• Must have valid New York State drivernd s license and insurable driving record
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; proficient in Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Explain DHS Client Responsibility Procedures during Housing Intake
• Ensure clients sign the Permanent Housing Agreement within 10 days of arrival
• Maintain open lines of communication with Director of Social Services and Case Managers
• Ensure housing applications are completed within 90 days and forwarded on time
• Utilize CARES to complete intake, service plans, housing arrangements, and progress notes
• Assist clients with housing education and workshops; provide counseling
• Accompany families on housing searches and document outcomes
• Travel to various NYC locations as needed and handle documentation

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

MS Office proficiency

Valid NYS drivernd s license

Education

Bachelor7s or Associate degree in social services or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CARES DHS System

Job description

The Housing Specialist is responsible for all facets of client case management as it relates to a client's efforts to secure permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will use HPD incentives for finders’ fees to brokers and owners, and develop contacts with both not-for-profit and for-profit housing developers. This role is responsible for ensuring that all clients are familiar with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) forms and procedures, as well as the procedures for all other housing programs offered. This role is responsible for working at our Lighthouse location in Long Island City, NY to enable the successful relocation of families to permanent housing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or Human Services is strongly preferred, and at least a High School Diploma/GED is required
• At least one (l) year of experience in social services, counseling, crisis intervention, family services, preventive services, or housing services is required
• Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record is required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and must be computer literate in Microsoft Office

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must fully understand the New York City Department of Homeless Services – Client Responsibility Procedures, and be able to explain it to clients during the Housing Intake
• Must ensure that all clients sign the “Permanent Housing Agreement” form within 10 days of their arrival
• Maintain open lines of communication with the Director of Social Services and Case Managers to resolve any issues that might prevent a client from securing permanent housing
• Ensure all clients are completing and returning the “Apartment Review” and/or the “Client Apartment Rejection Form”
• Inform all clients of their responsibility to “visit/view two (2)” apartments per week and support this with documentation
• Ensure all relevant housing applications are fully completed within 90 days of a family becoming eligible for shelter services, forwarded to their designated destinations on-time, and that a copy is maintained in the case record
• Utilize the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to complete family intake assessment, service plan/independent living plan, housing, next step conferences/transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.
• Utilize the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to review accessible information from the Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc.
• Utilize the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to ensure that all information is updated in the system in a timely fashion as required by DHS
• Document and follow-up on all housing appointments and permanent housing applications
• Verify all housing rejections, including the reason for such rejection
• Accompany a family on housing searches when appropriate
• Provide on-going housing education to clients through workshops and/or individual counseling
• If applicable, provide clients with a list of suitable available apartments in a location consistent with a client's “Domestic Violence” status, and advise clients of their responsibility for seeking additional apartments on their own
• Meet and/or exceed the Housing Placement Goals set by the New York City Department of Homeless Services
• Review the DSS/APD Housing placements and projected placements weekly
• Complete reports as required

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (including Physical Demands):

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule
• Traveling throughout various locations in the New York City area
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

EEO Statement – Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.