Housing Specialist

Job title:              Housing Specialist

Reports to:         Director of Social Services/Program Director

FLSA Status:       Non-Exempt / Full Time

Date Issued:      March 2021

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for permanent housing placement for all families of the shelter. The Housing Specialist will have an assigned caseload and will be responsible for the successful placement of the families in accordance with HPCDC and other agency requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

Principal Duties & Responsibly: 

Family: Intake / Case Management

• Meet with the family within 48 hours of their arrival to the facility; assess their housing needs and eligibility for subsidized housing. Assist the family in obtaining the needed documentation to obtain permanent housing.
• Complete Initial Housing Plan, and progress notes in the Uniform Client Chart.
• Ensure supporting documents are printed and filed in designated sections in client chart.
• Ensure that clients understand and work towards meeting their responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
• Provide comprehensive case management, including counseling services and other appropriate supportive services, to include developing a family-specific housing plan.
• Collaborate with the case management staff in advocating for housing entitlement and needed supportive services for the family.
• Obtain post discharge contact information from client at lease signing and complete all necessary documentation. Document all related information in progress notes.

Housing: Sourcing/Development/Referral

• Source, contact and follow through potential housing resources and leads.
• Establish and develop new linkages with real estate brokers and landlords. Maintain an active roster of real estate brokers and landlords.
• Cultivate relationship with permanent housing providers.
• Coordinate services offered by the shelter staff, landlords, city agencies, community agencies and all other aspects involved in securing permanent housing.
• Conduct Housing Workshops for clients.
• Track all referrals and provide on-going follow-up to clients and feedback to sources and leads.
• Assist clients with completing relevant applications for housing subsidies and programs.
• Advocate on behalf of the clients to ensure that they receive the appropriate subsidies.
• Arrange apartment interviews with landlords and accompany clients to view potential permanent housing, as needed.
• Liaise with rental agents and landlords to ensure that potential housing meets Tilden Hall requirements for "client readiness" and act as expediter, as needed.
• Ensure successful transition of families into permanent housing and provide clients with local community information and resources that they can rely upon for solving problems that may arise.
• Maintain client data in the Uniform Client Chart. Ensure that supporting documentation is complete, accurate and current at all times. Maintain a hard copy of printed data and supporting documentation in the client charts.

Administration

• Perform timely and accurate input of all required client information in the Uniform Client Chart to ensure compliance with OTDA regulatory requirements, DHS requirements and HPCDC standards.
• Prepare all mandated reporting as required by supervisor and funding agency.
• Establish advocacy network with community resources.
• Actively participate as a member of the shelter's multi-disciplinary team.
• Attend shelter meetings, agency meetings and staff training, as agreed to with supervisor.
• Facilitate on-going housing empowerment workshops for staff.
• Assess effectiveness of referral agencies and provide feedback to supervisor, as appropriate.
• Prepare all mandated reporting as required by supervisor and funding agency.
• Other special projects and responsibilities as needed.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual demonstrates the following competencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.   The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and / or ability required. 

1. Minimum Required Education & Experience:
   • HS Diploma or GED required
   • Associates Degree Preferred
   • Certification in First Aid, CPR
   • Bilingual Preferred
   • Must keep a clean and Valid NYS Driver’s License.

1. Preferred Education & Experience:
   • Associates degree preferred
2. Computer Skills:
   • Proficient in computer software programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, CARES, etc.)
3. Language skills:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Reads and comprehends simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; Writes simple correspondence; Presents information in one-on-one and small groups situations outside stakeholders, clients and other employees.
• Bilingual is preferred