CONGREGATE HOUSING - Housing Specialist

JOB TITLE: Housing Specialist  DEPARTMENT(S): Freedom House  EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt DATE CREATED: November 10, 2008 DATE REVISED: September 1, 2022 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable intervals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  SUMMARY The Housing Specialist will screen, assess, counsel and link homeless, formerly incarcerated clients with histories of mental illness, substance use and/or HIV/AIDS to needed transitional and permanent housing. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES • Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments on newly released individuals and clients eligible for housing services • Create individualized treatment plans for each client. Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts. • Conduct crisis intervention with clients, as needed • Develop and maintain appropriate housing stock for our clients • Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance • Collaborate with, case managers, internal units.  Liaison with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner • Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process.  Complete and submit clients’ application to appropriate benefits provider agency (e.g., HRA, Social Security) • Act as a liaison to representatives of benefits administrations • Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues • Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan. • Con duct periodic treatment plan reviews • Facilitate support groups and community meetings • Conduct inspections of housing units to ensure compliance with applicable housing codes and standards • Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits, as needed • Follow-up with all referral agencies regarding client progress • Conduct client home visits • Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract  funder databases, if applicable • Prepare and submit reports on client intake and discharge activities  • Perform other related duties as assigned  ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE REPORTS TO: Director SUPERVISES: Does not directly supervise paid staff. QUALIFICATIONS • HS diploma; some college preferred. • At least two years experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues • Experience working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (Clients and persons in recovery are encouraged to apply) • Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills • Possess strong verbal and writing skills • Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications • Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain needed social services • Possess valid drivers license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record