Housing Specialist (Poplar)

Children's Rescue Fund; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Rescue Fund is seeking a Housing Specialist to guide clients through housing searches and secure permanent housing. The role involves direct client support, documentation, and coordination with DHS CARES and NYCHA procedures.

Responsibilities include intake assessments, service planning, and liaising with housing developers, social service agencies, and community partners to ensure timely housing placements, while maintaining accurate records and client education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience in homelessness services.
• Associate degree in related field considered with relevant work.
• High school diploma or GED with related experience may be considered.
• Experience working with homeless singles to obtain permanent housing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in searching for and securing permanent housing.
• Maintain communication with supervisors to resolve issues hindering housing placement.
• Complete housing applications within required time frames and document progress.
• Provide housing education through workshops or individual counseling.
• Represent organization in interactions with housing developers and service providers.

Skills

Time management

Communication skills

Crisis management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Associate degree in Social Work/Sociology/Psychology/Criminal Justice/Human Services

High School Diploma/GED considered

Tools

Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

The Housing Specialist is responsible for all facets of client case management as it relates to a client's search for and securing permanent housing. This individual is responsible for assisting clients in their search for and securing permanent housing. In this regard, the Housing Specialist will use HPD incentives for Finders’ Fees to brokers and owners, developing contacts in the Bronx and other boroughs with not-for-profit and for-profit housing developers. Further, the Housing Specialist 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.

• Must fully understand and articulate to clients during the Housing Intake the New York City Department of Homeless Services – Client Responsibility Procedures (as it relates to housing).
• Must ensure that within 10 days of arriving at the facility, all clients sign the “Permanent Housing Agreement” Form.
• Maintain an open line of communication with the Director of Social Services/Caseworkers 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.”
• Articulate to clients their responsibility to “visit/view two (2) apartments per week” and support it with documentation.
• Ensure all relevant housing applications are completed appropriately within 90 days of a single adult becoming eligible for shelter services and forwarded to their designated destination and that a copy is maintained in the case record.
• Utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to complete single adult intake assessment, service plan/independent living plan, housing, next step conferences/transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.
• Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES), review accessible information from the Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc.
• Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) ensures that all information is updated in the system in a timely fashion as required by DHS.
• Documenting and following up on all housing appointments and permanent housing applications.
• Verifying all housing rejections, including the reason for such rejection.
• Accompanying a single adult on housing searches, when appropriate.
• Provide ongoing housing education to clients through workshops and/or individual counseling.
• Providing a client with a list of suitable available apartments in a location consistent with a client's “Domestic Violence” status, if applicable, and advising a client of their responsibility for seeking additional apartments on their own.
• Contributes to the overall success of the organization by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee, and being able to pivot with ever-changing priorities and newly added job-related responsibilities that arise based on business changes, needs, and demands.

Key Position Measurements

• Meet and/or exceed the Housing Placement Goal set by the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
• Review the DSS/APD Housing placements and projected placements weekly.
• Completes reports as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or an associate degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Human Services.
• Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with a minimum of one (l) year of experience working with homeless singles to obtain permanent housing.
• Years of experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree may be considered for working directly with homeless singles to obtain permanent housing placement in a shelter environment.
• Associate degree (considered) with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with homeless singles to obtain permanent housing.
• High School Diploma/ GED (considered) with a minimum of four (4) years of experience working with homeless singles to obtain permanent housing.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Ability to workcollaboratively with amongst and across inter-departmental teams.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage tasks efficiently.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to prioritize assignments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have incredible initiative, the ability to work well under pressure, and the ability to be flexible and work both independently and as part of a team to complete complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be adept and comfortable with crisis management.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of community-based providers.
• Knowledge of community health services, social service support agencies and networks.
• Familiarity with DHS and OTDA social service documentation policies and procedures.
• Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as resourcefulness.
• High level of computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new technologies and databases.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (including Physical Demands)

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travelling 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.