Housing Specialist LINK

Breaking Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transportation support

Job summary

Breaking Ground in New York City seeks a Housing Specialist to work closely with clients, outreach teams, and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing and expedite placement. You will submit housing applications, schedule interviews, conduct mock interviews, lead housing-related groups, and escort clients to appointments at a 35-hour work week.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, experience in housing programs, and strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of experience, preferably in a non-profit or real estate environment, with knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs (preferred).
• Background in substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions (preferred).
• Experience with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse or dual diagnosis (preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (preferred).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment and willingness to shift easily between responsibilities.
• Must be able to use public transportation to accompany clients to appointments and engage in moderate physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clients for the housing process by conducting mock interviews, groups, escorts to housing interviews, and ensuring necessary documents are secured for housing applications.
• Help prepare and review HRA 2010e and other housing applications.
• Communicate with case management regarding interviews, submitted applications, and follow-up with housing providers via progress notes, staff meetings, and weekly supervision.
• Track clients' progress toward housing readiness.
• Identify and maintain housing options and build relationships with fair-market landlords.
• Ensure clients are matched and placed in housing appropriate to their needs.
• Escort clients to appointments as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRA 2010e

AWARDS/Foothold

CARES

Job description

Location: The Prince George Residence, 14 East 28th Street, New York, New York, United States of America

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist works closely with clients, members of the city contracted outreach teams, and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing. The role involves expediting the housing placement process by assisting residents in achieving housing readiness, establishing eligibility profiles, and matching them to permanent housing opportunities. In coordination with the Clinical Coordinator and case management team, the Housing Specialist submits housing applications, schedules interviews, conducts mock interviews, leads housing‑related groups, escorts clients to appointments, and assists in move‑ins.

This position has a 35‑hour work week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure clients are prepared for the housing process by conducting mock interviews, groups, escorts to housing interviews, and ensuring that all necessary documents for housing applications have been secured.
• Help prepare and review HRA 2010e and other appropriate housing applications.
• Communicate with case management staff regarding upcoming interviews, sent applications, and follow‑up with housing providers via progress notes, staff meetings, and weekly supervision.
• Track clients' progress toward housing readiness.
• Identify and maintain a wide array of housing options and resources, including building relationships with fair‑market landlords and rented rooms when appropriate.
• Ensure that clients are matched and placed in housing appropriate to their needs.
• Escort clients to appointments as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Background in substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions (preferred).
• Two years of experience, preferably in a non‑profit or real estate environment, with knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs (preferred).
• Previous experience working with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse or dual diagnosis (preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with HRA 2010e, AWARDS /Foothold and CARES (preferred).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, dynamic team environment and willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities with diverse populations.
• Must be able to use public transportation to accompany clients to appointments and be willing and able to engage in moderate physical activity with street homeless individuals, including moderate walking and climbing.