Housing Specialist

**Location: Must work in Sheepshead Bay or Coney Island**

Temporary to Permanent

Title of Position: Housing Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Department: Transitional Housing

Reports to: Program Director

Purpose of the Position:

The Housing Services Coordinator is responsible for supporting the permanent housing search of the families living in the shelter by coordinating all housing services activities which will lead to the successful placement of families in accordance to agencices contractual requirements. Hourly rate: $25.71 per hour.

Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Commit to using evidence-based practices (EBP); Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), critical time intervention, and boundary setting, to help clients achieve their goals.

· Demonstrates ability to understand housing subsidies and provides families with guidance and support with the application process.

· Cultivates relationships and develops new linkages with real estate rental brokers and landlords to ensure organizations families have access to current information and housing resources. Maintain an active roster of real estate brokers and landlords.

· Liaises with brokers and landlords to ensure that potential housing meets organizations requirements for client readiness and act as an expediter as needed.

· Coordinates organizations sponsored Housing Fairs and participates in networking events.

· Coordinate and facilitate housing workshops which address client’s issues and needs; provide information and resources to families during the different phases of their housing search.

· Coordinates and facilitate group meetings with new families within ten (10) days of arrival to discuss existing subsidies and review the responsibilities of the client regarding the search for permanent housing.

· Arranges apartment viewings and interviews with landlords. Provide escort to apartment viewings as required and assists with housing applications.

· Tracks all referrals and provide on-going follow up to clients and feedback to sources and leads.

· Collaborates with Case Managers and clients in developing permanent housing strategies.

· Collaborates with Case Managers in advocating for eligible families to obtain Supportive Housing.

· Maintain updated case notes in CARES. Ensures copies of applications, etc. are maintained in the case file.

· Prepares all mandated reporting as required by Essential Functions:

· Must be able to escort client’s to apartment viewings

Qualifications:

· Committed to organizations Mission and Values

· Bachelor's degree highly desired with 2 years relevant work experience or Associate’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience

· Must have extensive knowledge of NY City housing market, housing subsidies and supportive housing programs

· Must have the ability to network and build strong collaborative relationships with brokers and landlords

· Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must exercise good judgement and have a professional appearance and demeanor

· Willingness and ability to travel to potential housing sites, as required

· Must be detailed orientated and demonstrate an ability to multi task and meet multiple demands and deadlines

· Ability to work effectively in a team environment

· Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus

· Solid computer skills, knowledge of MS Office and Outlook

Core Competencies:

· Leading Others: Lead by example, doesn’t stay behind the desk, stay visible to staff and clients.

Assist with the implementation of initiatives and escalates issues appropriately. Develop knowledge of internal policies and procedures for responding to issues.

· Facilitating Change: Assist in overcoming resistance to change. Inspire and motivate others. Develop and meet challenging but achievable goals with the clients’ well-being in mind.

· Managing Performance: Monitor performance against predetermined standards set by company and funders. Share constructive feedback, quickly adjusts to new demands. Holds self and staff accountable for performance at high standards.

· Applying and Developing Expertise: Take client issues to the appropriate people within the organization to obtain the most accurate information to meet customer needs. Apply technical knowledge to solve a range of problems. Understands and upholds all policies and procedures described in Organizations Employee Handbook.

· Collaborating and Communicating: Values the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion for clients and staff. Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity.