Housing Specialist LINK

Breaking Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Breaking Ground seeks a Housing Specialist to collaborate with outreach teams and partner agencies to expedite permanent housing placements. You will assist clients in housing readiness, complete eligibility profiles, and coordinate applications with the clinical and case management teams.

Responsibilities include conducting housing-related groups, escorting clients to appointments, and supporting move-ins while maintaining accurate progress notes. A 35-hour work week is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions preferred.
• Two years’ experience in nonprofit or real estate environment preferred.
• Experience with homeless populations or DHS housing programs preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clients for housing process with mock interviews and groups.
• Review HRA 2010e and housing applications.
• Communicate progress with case management and housing providers.
• Track client progress toward housing readiness.
• Identify and maintain housing options and landlord relationships.
• Match clients to housing appropriate to needs; escort to appointments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Bilingual Spanish/English

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRA 2010e / AWARDS

Job description

Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist works closely with clients, members of the city contracted outreach teams, and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will help achieve program targets by expediting the housing placement process by Aassisting residents in achieving housing readiness, establishing eligibility profile, seeking out and matching permanent housing opportunities. In coordination with the Clinical Coordinator and case management team, the Housing Specialist helps complete and submit housing applications, secure housing interviews, assist with mock interviews, conduct housing related groups, escort clients to appointments, and assist 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
• Clearly 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 towards 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
• Substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions, preferred
• Two years’ experience, preferably in a non-profit or real estate environment, knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs preferred
• Previous experience working with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse /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. Must be willing and able to engage in moderate physical activity to engage with street homeless individuals. Such activities include and are not limited to moderate walking and climbing