Housing Specialist

Primary Function/Purpose

The Housing Specialist is responsible for all facets of client case management related to a client’s search for and securing permanent housing. This individual is responsible for assisting clients in their search for and securing permanent housing. The role includes using HPD incentives for Finders’ Fees to brokers and owners, developing contacts in the Bronx and other boroughs with not‑for‑profit and for‑profit housing developers, and ensuring that all clients are familiar with NYCHA forms and procedures and the procedures for all other housing programs offered.

• Must fully understand and articulate to clients during the Housing Intake the New York City Department of Homeless Services – Client Responsibility Procedures (as it relates to housing).
• Must ensure that within 10 days of arriving all clients sign the “Permanent Housing Agreement” Form.
• Maintain an open‑line of communication with the Director of Social Services/Caseworkers to resolve any issues that might prevent a client from securing permanent housing.
• Ensure all clients are completing and returning the “Apartment Review” and/or the “Client Apartment Rejection Form.”
• Articulate to clients their responsibility to “visit/view two (2)” apartments per week and support it with documentation.
• Ensure all relevant housing applications are completed in an appropriate manner within 90 days of a family becoming eligible for shelter services and forwarded to their designated destination and that a copy is maintained in the case record.
• Utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) – Client Assistance and Re‑housing Enterprise System (CARES) complete families intake assessment, service plan/independent living plan, housing, next step conferences/transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.
• Review accessible information from Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc., using DHS CARES.
• Ensure that all information is updated in system in a timely fashion as required by DHS.
• Document and follow up on all housing appointments and permanent housing applications.
• Verify all housing rejections, including the reason for such rejection.
• Accompany a family on housing searches, when appropriate.
• Provide ongoing housing education to clients through workshops and/or individual counseling.
• Provide a client with a list of suitable available apartments in a location consistent with a client’s “Domestic Violence” status, if applicable, and advise a client of their responsibility for seeking additional apartments on their own.

• Meet and/or exceed Housing Placement Goal set by the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
• Review with the DSS/APD Housing placements and projected placements weekly.
• Complete reports as required.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or an Associate degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or Human Services.
• Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with a minimum of one year of experience working with homeless families to obtain permanent housing.
• Experience:
  
  Associate degree (considered) with a minimum of two years’ experience working with homeless families to obtain permanent housing.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and computer literate in Microsoft Office.

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travel throughout various locations in the New York City area.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.