RAP TEAM LEADER

NYC Department of Social Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Social Services seeks an Associate Job Specialist 02 to lead the Rental Assistance Program. Responsibilities include managing eligibility for rental assistance, supervising staff, and ensuring effective case management. The ideal candidate will have experience in social services and strong problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Federal student loan forgiveness eligibility

State repayment programs

Qualifications

• Three years in social/human services or related fields.
• 18 months of relevant full-time experience with a degree.
• High school diploma or college credits substituting for experience.

Responsibilities

• Approve eligibility for rental assistance programs.
• Supervise JOS workers and assist with case management.
• Troubleshoot issues raised by tenants and landlords.

Skills

Client services

Supervision

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Baccalaureate degree

College credits

Tools

HAPS

RAP

HRA One Viewer

WMS

Finance.net

IQ System

SAVE

Job description

The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA) works to keep New Yorkers in their homes. HPA collaborates with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA), and other organizations to assist families and individuals in obtaining and maintaining stable, affordable housing.

This new organizational area is part of the mayor’s initiative to prevent and address homelessness and housing stability in New York City. The Human Resources Administration pools its resources to lead this effort. The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is an HPA program that manages the CityFHEPS initiative. Its goal is to facilitate the rapid transition of homeless families into permanent housing and prevent homelessness recurrence through comprehensive aftercare services. The unit also manages ongoing rental assistance payments and administration.

HPA/RAP is recruiting for one (1) Associate Job Specialist 02 to serve as a RAP Team Leader, responsible for:

• Approving eligibility for tenants or landlords for Rental Assistance Subsidy Programs and check requests for broker and landlord payments.
• Troubleshooting issues raised by tenants, landlords, lawyers, advocates, and legal aid through review conferences to resolve disputes. Addressing requests for information and services from landlords, tenants, and community advocates via mail, email, phone, or in person.
• Ensuring timely execution of rental assistance payments to landlords and brokers and managing annual renewals of subsidies. Approving tenant modifications for their CityFHEPS Rental Assistance Supplement.
• Reviewing and approving tenant data entries for federal databases and utilizing systems such as HAPS, RAP, HRA One Viewer, WMS, Finance.net, IQ System, and SAVE.
• Recommending new subsidy certificates for tenants requesting transfers due to issues like landlord problems or inhabitable apartments.
• Addressing information and service requests from landlords, tenants, and community advocates.
• Supervising JOS workers who interview applicants and assess eligibility for rent or public assistance, preparing reports, and assisting with case consultations and difficult case guidance.
• Supervising staff who communicate with and assist homebound or homeless clients, ensuring swift service delivery and appropriate action on reported issues.
• Maintaining contact with other teams to ensure comprehensive case management.
• Supervising staff who interview and determine housing needs of at-risk or homeless tenants, and assisting in developing intervention plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and three years of experience in social/human services or related fields, providing client services or employment counseling.
• Or a baccalaureate degree plus 18 months of relevant full-time experience.
• Or college credits substituting for experience, with a total of 18 months of relevant full-time work.

This position is open to qualified persons with disabilities under the 55-a Program. Indicate your interest in this program at the top of your resume and cover letter.

Employees may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness and state repayment programs. For details, visit https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Residency in New York City is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics.