Housing Specialist

Position Title: Housing Specialist

Reports To: Director of Social Services/Housing Specialist Supervisor

Department: Social Services Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Status: Essential

Location: Queens, NY

1 position in Corona

3 positions in Long Island City

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Specialist will be responsible for assessing clients’ eligibility and determining their housing and service needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secures permanent housing for clients from a wide range of sources, including government agencies, private landlords, and brokers


• Assists clients with the search for available properties and negotiates terms on behalf of clients


• Ensures client's understanding of their rights and responsibilities as tenants


• Provides clients with information and refers them to additional support programs or services


• Prepares and maintains daily logs, records, and reports


• Counsels and assists clients in completing all necessary paperwork, including lease signings


• Partner with Case Managers to prepare clients for landlord/broker interviews


• Assists and counsels clients in regards to keeping their appointments


• Ensures that new apartments are client-ready (e.g. utilities turned on, furniture deliveered)


• Maintains accurate records on client compliance via appointments and interviews


• Must meet or surpass target goals set for permanent housing placements and related indicators


• In the event of an emergency, Essential Employees are required to report to work as scheduled


• Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based upon assessment of company needs

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years experience working within the Social Services Field


• Experience with the Homeless population


• Experience with the CARES system


• Must be diligent and organized


• Must be able to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing)


• Must be sensitive to different cultures and socioeconomic conditions


• Knowledge of regulatory standards and property management


• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred