Job Description
Job Description
PRIMARY FUNCTION / PURPOSE :
The Housing Specialist is responsible for all facets of client case management as it relates to a client's efforts to secure permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will use HPD incentives for finders’ fees to brokers and owners, and develop contacts with both not-for-profit and for-profit housing developers. This role 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. This role is responsible for working at our House East location in New York City to enable the successful relocation of families to permanent housing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
- Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or Human Services is strongly preferred, and at least a High School Diploma / GED is required
- At least one (l) year of experience in social services, counseling, crisis intervention, family services, preventive services, or housing services is required
- Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record is required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and must be computer literate in Microsoft Office
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Must fully understand the New York City Department of Homeless Services – Client Responsibility Procedures, and be able to explain it to clients during the Housing IntakeMust ensure that all clients sign the “Permanent Housing Agreement” form within 10 days of their arrivalMaintain open lines of communication with the Director of Social Services and Case Managers to resolve any issues that might prevent a client from securing permanent housingEnsure all clients are completing and returning the “Apartment Review” and / or the “Client Apartment Rejection Form”Inform all clients of their responsibility to “visit / view two (2)” apartments per week and support this with documentationEnsure all relevant housing applications are fully completed within 90 days of a family becoming eligible for shelter services, forwarded to their designated destinations on-time, and that a copy is maintained in the case recordUtilize the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to complete family intake assessment, service plan / independent living plan, housing, next step conferences / transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.Utilize the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to review accessible information from the Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc.Utilize the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to ensure that all information is updated in the system in a timely fashion as required by DHSDocument and follow-up on all housing appointments and permanent housing applicationsVerify all housing rejections, including the reason for such rejectionAccompany a family on housing searches when appropriateProvide on-going housing education to clients through workshops and / or individual counselingIf applicable, provide clients with a list of suitable available apartments in a location consistent with a client's “Domestic Violence” status, and advise clients of their responsibility for seeking additional apartments on their ownMeet and / or exceed the Housing Placement Goals set by the New York City Department of Homeless ServicesReview the DSS / APD Housing placements and projected placements weeklyComplete reports as requiredOTHER REQUIREMENTS (including Physical Demands) :
May be required to work long hours and a varied scheduleTraveling throughout various locations in the New York City areaLifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a weekReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsEEO 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.