Housing Specialist

Overview

LOCATION: NYC, NY

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Special Services

DEPARTMENT: Bridges to the Future

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Hybrid

Hiring Bonus: $1,000

Mercy First is a not-for-profit human and social service agency serving children and families since 1894. We address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through prevention, foster care services, group homes, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Mercy First serves more than 3,000 individuals each year, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their potential.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND: The Bridges to the Future program supports foster care youth as they prepare for the future with skills and testing to secure viable jobs, scholarship assistance for college or vocational school, access to affordable housing, and life skills coaching during the transition from foster care to adulthood.

The Housing Specialist is responsible for working with birth parents and youth in our Family Foster Care and Residential programs. The Housing Specialist will help clients secure and obtain a permanent place to live. The ideal candidate will have experience working with at-risk youth and a strong knowledge base of NYCHA, Supportive Housing, Section 8, and other related programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health)
• Related experience strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, some knowledge of Excel
• Ability to file documentation accurately
• Ability to engage with clients
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice

• Research and develop strategies and affordable housing resources to meet the housing needs of families and youth through training, workshops and linkages with NYC and LI community resources, including NYCHA, Section 8, Voucher programs, private landlords, and NYNYIII HRA Supported Housing.
• Assist clients throughout the housing application process, including submitting applications, preparing for eligibility interviews, escorting clients to apartment viewings, and completing lease signing.
• Monitor the submission and processing of housing applications to ensure timely access to housing options.
• Ensure that all required forms and documentation are complete and submitted prior to deadlines.
• Prepare and process housing subsidy requests, furniture and discharge grant requests.
• Assist clients in navigating Human Resources Administration appointments such as applying for public assistance, SNAP, Recertification, and rental arrears assistance.
• Facilitate workshops for youth on topics including household management and budgeting, understanding the NYC housing process, understanding a lease, tenant/landlord issues, and effective communication and advocacy skills.
• Consult with casework teams, clients, and ACS Staff to advocate and assist with housing issues.
• Participate in Family Team Conferences, staff meetings, and other meetings to report housing statuses of clients.
• Collaborate with community representatives to promote safe and affordable housing resources for clients.
• Identify and address problems that prevent families from accessing housing and work with clients to resolve them.
• Serve as the agency point person for the Hearts to Home partnership.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, including entering progress notes in CONNECTIONS and Care4 Platforms.

• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Insurance discounts for staff and their families
• Trainings to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities

Salary Range: $54,000 - $58,000 per year

Hiring bonus: $1,000 after 500 worked hours

Mercy First is an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, or any other status protected by law.