Housing Specialist

As a Housing Specialist at JCCA, you will work across programs and agencies to connect youth with safe, affordable, and permanent housing options. You'll be a housing navigator, advocate, and mentor, helping youth overcome complex barriers and develop the tools they need to live independently.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Assess housing needs and eligibility for youth preparing to transition out of care, including those facing significant barriers to stable housing.
• Guide and support housing applications across a variety of programs:
  Section 8, NYCHA, supportive housing, City FHEPS, FHEPS, and NYC Housing Connect.
• Track and manage housing applications, ensuring documentation is complete, deadlines are met, and communication with agencies is proactive and timely.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of city, state, and federal housing programs, policies, and resources.
• Cultivate partnerships with landlords, real estate professionals, and community-based housing providers to expand access and options.
• Accompany youth to housing appointments, interviews, lease signings, and move-ins to ensure confidence and success.
• Provide housing consultation and technical assistance to case planners, Fair Futures coaches, and permanency teams.
• Develop and facilitate housing-readiness workshops on topics like tenancy rights, budgeting, and independent living.
• Respond to housing crises by coordinating emergency placements or stabilizing supports when housing is at risk.
• Document housing progress and outcomes in internal systems, maintaining clear, timely, and accurate records.

Collaborate closely with case planning teams to align housing goals with broader permanency and life-planning strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field
• At least 2 years of experience working with at-risk or system-involved youth
• Knowledge of NYC housing systems and housing-related supports for youth
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build strong relationships with external partners
• Commitment to trauma-informed and youth-centered practices

Proficient with MS Office and the ability to learn new platforms

Hourly Rate: $ 31.32 per hour (annualized $57K)