Bilingual Housing Specialist

Position:
Bilingual Housing Specialist

Department:
Bronx Community Program

Location:

Bronx

Reports To:

Manager

Classification:
Full Time-Non-Exempt

Work Model:
Hybrid

The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is the only culturally specific non-profit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Founded as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has consistently centered survivors in its leadership and fostered a staff community that reflects the rich national, ethnic, and racial diversity of the communities it serves.

Today, VIP operates two community-based programs serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens; four housing programs, including two shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, and Home+, a bilingual helpline; and innovative programs focused on economic justice, sexual violence, restorative justice, and child and adolescent services.

Housing Specialist will provide program participants with safe,long-termhousing and supportive services to assist them in becomingself-sufficientand free from violence. In addition, the Housing Specialist will provide supportive services that include:case management, educational/vocational workshops, public benefits coordination, financial planning, and leadership development. The goal of this program is for each participant to achieve economic self-sufficiency,educational/vocational attainment and to move them towards permanent housing.

Essential Functions

• Perform telephone screening to identify potential participants.
• Conductintakeassessmenton all program participants to identify needs and create/discuss safety plans.

• Provide information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment as it relates to housing and public benefits. This includes over the phone, in person and via written correspondence in a timely manner.
• Consistently assess the safety of clients to ensure their security, and that of their children; and create safety plans as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers on a consistent basis to ensure the highest quality service delivery.
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues as child abuse/neglect, suicide/homicide concerns, etc.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled agency and program meeting including supervision sessions, trainings, case conferences, agency-wide staff meetings, team meetings, inter-disciplinary meetings, etc.

• Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops as needed by program.
• Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; including Promoting VIP services at all public functions.
• Report Language access issues as they occur to program manager.
• Perform other tasks as required, including any related administrative duties as needed.

Housing & Public Benefits Functions

• Assist program participants with completing housing applications (i.e.NYCHA Public Housing; Affordable Housing and/or privatehousing)
• Advocate on behalf of clients regarding housing court issues, emergency transfers, applying for public benefits etc.
• Stay informed and provide information to clients regarding local, state and federal programs that provide rental arrears and assistance
• Participate and advocate in policy discussions about housing and public benefit rights and assist in local and state lobbying efforts including participating in round tables.

• Network with realtors in various communities and accessing their ability to work with program participants
• Conduct groups on housing resources, issues,etc.
• Researchlow-incomehousing and maintaining a current resourcedirectory

Data Collection & Entry

• Accurately record all required information that will be pertinent to identifiedoutcomes
• Collect and analyze data to enhance service delivery for the purpose of achieving outcomes
• Make recommendations for improvement or enhancement to data processes to ensure standards in data entry, collection, and retrieval are achieved

Requirements

• BSW, BA or equivalent relevant experience in the field of human services
• 2-3 years of experience working with housing, preferred.
• Bilingual Required (English/Spanish – verbal and written).
• Must have advocacy and/or counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, women and children's issues, or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication and documenting skills.
• Must bewell organized, work independently and collectively, while maintaining a flexible schedule.

• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations and deliver culturally competent services.
• Must have the ability to operate office equipment such as computers, copy machine, fax machine, phone systems, etc. with strong internet and software skills;incl. Microsoft Office and client database.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity at all times to provide trauma-informed care.
• Must ensure agency, program and client…