Housing Specialist - Tier 1

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing.

At NAICA, we’re committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

The Housing Specialist – Tier I will deliver housing services to assist clients in understanding and addressing personal or social challenges impacting their housing stability. This role involves collaborating with legal staff to create tailored service plans that promote secure housing and access to community resources. The specialist is encouraged to undergo cross‑training and gain a comprehensive understanding of the Housing Services Department’s functions.

• Collaborate with program participants to develop service plans aligned with resolving issues and obstacles to maintaining housing stability.
• Provide client intake, service planning, advocacy, and referral services in the absence of a case manager.
• Maintain weekly or bi‑weekly contact with clients to monitor and follow up on service plan progress.
• Maintain accurate records, track case progress, and input case‑related information into the Legal Server Database.
• Conduct and/or participate in housing‑related activities and workshops.
• Assist participants in obtaining and reinstating benefits.
• Advocate for and submit applications for rental assistance grants through charitable organizations.
• Compile and submit packages to HRA for Rental Assistance Grants (Exceptions to Policy) and One Shot Deals.
• Work collaboratively with legal services staff to assess client readiness for legal proceedings.
• Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity.
• Enforce facility rules and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrate effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Stay informed of new trends and developments in social services and related fields.
• Perform general clerical duties as needed.

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.
• Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.
• While standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, employees may be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Baccalaureate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field; OR,
• Associate degree in Human Service, or related field with one (1) or more years of direct social service experience; OR,
• High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with three (3) or more years of direct social service experience.
• Knowledge of casework and case management methodologies.
• Commitment to the mission of NAICA, Inc.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, with a detail‑oriented and efficient approach.
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status,…