Job detail

Housing Specialist - Homeless Families

Urban Resource Institute (URI)

#Social Work #Affordable Housing #Homeless Services #Client Advocacy #Case Documentation #DHS Regulations #Subsidized Housing #Housing Resources #Housing Applications

Quick overview

The Housing Specialist assists homeless families in transitioning to permanent housing by identifying resources and developing individualized housing plans. They are responsible for building partnerships with landlords and government agencies while facilitating housing applications and educational workshops.

Requirements summary

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field with at least one year of counseling and two years of housing or case management experience. Proficiency in DHS regulations and sensitivity to disenfranchised communities are required.

bachelor degreeCase ManagementAdvocacyCounselingCrisis InterventionMicrosoft OfficeInterdisciplinary CollaborationCommunity OutreachGroup FacilitationResource DevelopmentClient AssessmentHousing DevelopmentDHS Cares Reporting

Job description

Organization overview

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

Position overview

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in URI’s homeless shelters. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from shelter to permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options, developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with government and community agencies to help increase clients’ access to meaningful housing.

Salary

$39,000 - $48,328.00

Major duties and responsibilities
Assess clients’ housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing.
Assess clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.
Participate as member of interdisciplinary team in determining clients’ immediate needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase independent functioning
Conduct regular meetings with clients (at least biweekly) to review housing options, exit strategies
Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and landlords in an effort to secure a pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready families
Facilitate clients ability to view at least three apartments each week. Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing and collect the necessary documents for affordable and subsidized housing.