Housing Specialist (Temporarily Remote)

Position: Housing Specialist

Department: Community Programs  

Location (s): Bronx  

Reports To: Program Manager  

Classification:  Full Time– Non-Exempt  

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is the only culturally specific nonprofit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Created as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has always centered survivors in its leadership and has worked to create a community of staff that reflects the rich national, ethnic and racial diversity of the communities it serves. VIP operates three community-based social service programs, two residential shelter and housing programs, a 24/7 hotline, innovative economic justice and sexual violence programs, and a robust community engagement team.

Housing Specialist will provide program participants with safe, long-term housing and supportive services to assist them in becoming self-sufficient and 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.  
• Conduct intake assessment on 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 Associate Director of Community Programs. 
• 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 private housing)  
• 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.  
• Research low-income housing and maintaining a current resource directory  

Data Collection & Entry

• Accurately record all required information that will be pertinent to identified outcomes  
• 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 
• 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 be well 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 confidentiality at all times. 
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace. 

•  Must be passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with annual wages of $45,500/year.
• We cover 90% of the cost of medical (United Healthcare/Oxford), dental (Aetna) and vision (VSP) coverage. FSA/HSA available.
• Paid Time Off program, 12 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year office closure, and Summer Fridays.
• Commuter benefits
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Virtual Healing Circles

Note: As a contractor of The City of New York, all VIP employees, interns and volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly COVID-19 testing.