Housing Specialist

Job Description

Housing Specialist

TheCityFHEPSHousing Specialist is responsible forassistingindividuals and familiesresidingin DHS shelters, including asylum hotels, to secure permanent housing through various rentalassistanceprograms such asCityFHEPS, Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA), Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) A, and FHEPS

B. The specialist will work closely with shelter residents, case managers, and landlords tofacilitatethe housing placement process and ensure compliance with program requirements.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of shelter residents todetermineeligibility forCityFHEPS, SOTA, FHEPSAand FHEPS B programs. Have a strong community resources .
• Assist residents in completing applications forCityFHEPS, SOTA, FHEPS A, and FHEPS B, and gathering necessary documentation.
• Provide guidance and support to residents throughout the housing search process, includingidentifyingsuitable housing options and scheduling viewings.
• Liaise with landlords and property managers to secure housing placements for eligible residents.
• Maintainaccurateand up-to-date records of all interactions and progress in the housing placement process.
• Collaborate with case managers and other shelter staff to develop and implement individualized housing plans for residents.
• Conduct follow-up visits and provide ongoing support to residents after they have secured housing to ensure stability and address any issues that may arise.
• Stay informed about changes to theCityFHEPS, SOTA, FHEPS A, and FHEPS B programs and other relevant housingassistanceprograms.
• Attend training sessions and meetings as required.
• Identifyclients who may be eligible for the SOTA program andassistthem with the housing search and application process.
• Ensure that all housing placements meet the requirements of the SOTA program, including income verification and apartment reviews.
• Assist families with children who receive Cash Assistance and are facing eviction or have been evicted, or who lost their housing due to domestic violence or health and safety issues, through the FHEPS A and FHEPS B programs

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing assistance, case management, or related field. Knowledge of CityFHEPS, SOTA, FHEPS A, and FHEPS B programs and other housing assistance programs in NYC.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Bilingual skills (preferred but not required).
• Keep accurate records of client interactions and housing placements.

Housing Options and Geriatric Association Resources, Inc. (H.O.G.A.R.) was incorporated in March 1996 to assist society’s most disenfranchised; the elderly, seriously mentally ill adults, the homeless, adults living with Special Needs and the physically challenged by promoting, fostering and providing the highest quality of housing and services in a most therapeutic, rehabilitative and aesthetically satisfying environment. H.O.G.A.R.’s approach to housing and services is based on the philosophy, goals and objectives of psychosocial rehabilitation.

The organizations’ goal is to restore an individual’s ability for independent living, socialization and effective life management. H.O.G.A.R.’s services and housing builds on personal strengths to offset the effects of the aging process, illness and history of the homelessness and in coordination with other treatment and rehabilitation services.