Olmstead Housing Specialist

WNY Independent Living Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WNY Independent Living, Inc. is seeking a full-time Olmstead Housing Specialist in Buffalo, NY. The role focuses on assisting individuals in transitioning from institutional settings to community housing, including subsidy enrollment and coordination of support services.

Responsibilities include identifying housing opportunities, helping with applications, arranging inspections, and ensuring continued eligibility. The position requires two years of related experience and a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Two years of work experience in a related human services field.
• Experience in housing, community organizing, Independent Living, long-term care and/or disability rights preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify housing opportunities for individuals who need housing to leave a nursing home or who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
• Assist eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through enrollment steps, including housing applications and arranging unit inspections.
• Coordinate with applicants and service providers to ensure a support services plan for program enrollment.
• Conduct follow-up after subsidy is initiated to verify occupancy and continued eligibility.
• Identify landlords/public/private housing options in the region for future program enrollment.
• Maintain a list of available housing detailing accessibility, location, and rental costs.
• Track and report activities using NYAIL statewide project database.
• Document consumer services in ECR within two working days.
• Attend agency trainings and staff meetings; participate in maintaining a safe work environment.

Skills

Disability awareness

Empathy

Travel flexibility

Education

Associate degree in related human services

Bachelor's degree in related human services

Tools

Excel

Databases

Word processing

Networks

Job description

Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living, Inc. Olmstead Housing Specialist.

FT. Benefits. $40,000- $41,500/Year.

Closing Date: September 16, 2026.

Assist individuals seeking eligibility for housing subsidies to transition from institutional setting to the community. Work as part of a coordinated Independent Living service team.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify housing opportunities for individuals who are in need of housing in order to leave a nursing home, as well as for those who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
• Assist eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through all steps necessary for enrollment, including filling out housing applications, obtaining household goods and/or support for moving expenses, arranging unit inspections, etc.
• Work with applicants and/or the individuals Transition Specialist, Service Coordinator (SC), Nursing Home Discharge Planner, Care Manager (CM), natural supports, or advocate in order to ensure that a support services plan is in place for program enrollment.
• Conduct follow-up after subsidy is initiated, including but not limited to, verifying occupancy of unit and continued eligibility for program.
• Work to identify landlords, public housing and private housing in the region which may be suitable for individuals enrolled in the OHS program in the future.
• Maintain a list of available housing in the region, including degree of accessibility, location, proximity to services and rental costs.
• Track and report on all activities using the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) statewide project database.
• Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in WNYILs Electronic Consumer Record (ECR), within two (2) working days of the date of service.
• Attend Agency's in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency-related activities as required.
• Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education & Training

• Associate degree in a related human services field
• OR
• Bachelors degree in a related human services field
• Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.

Knowledge & Experience (if Required)

• Two (2) years of work experience in a related human services field is required.
• Professional experience in housing, community organizing, Independent Living, longterm care and/or disability rights are strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation in order to travel independently throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
• Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks.
• Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.