Housing Specialist

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation's largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leader in supporting homeless families. Operating 24 shelters across New York City, URI provides 3,700 beds nightly in purpose-built shelters that offer trauma-informed services including counseling, childcare, case management, and more. URI's Justice Initiatives extend support beyond shelter, offering programs in economic empowerment, legal advocacy, youth prevention, and abusive partner intervention. URI also develops permanent affordable housing as part of its long-term commitment to safety, stability, and healing. 

Salary: $39,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in URI's homeless shelters. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from shelter to permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options, developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with government and community agencies to help increase clients' access to meaningful housing.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Assess clients' housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing.
•  Assess clients' eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.
•  Participate as member of interdisciplinary team in determining clients' immediate needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase independent functioning.
•  Participate in exploration where possible of the option for family reunification to transition out of shelter.
•  Conduct regular meetings with clients (at least biweekly) to review housing options and exit strategies.
•  Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and landlords to secure a pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready families.
•  Facilitate client's ability to view at least three apartments each week.
•  Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing and collect the necessary documents for affordable and subsidized housing.
•  Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.
•  Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices).
•  Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive community-based organizations.
•  Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords.
•  Prepare weekly housing status and other DHS required reports as directed.
•  Work with clients to identify ways in which to resolve adverse credit reports.
•  Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees related to housing.
•  Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars conducted to enhance skills.
•  Assist with reports and program evaluation.
•  Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

•  Bachelor's degree in human services or related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  Bi-lingual, Mandarin or Spanish preferred.
•  Minimum of one year counseling experience and two years of experience in housing development/management, real estate or case management.
•  Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness within disenfranchised communities including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
•  Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting.
•  Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to write and record case documentation, and skills in group counseling.
•  Must have working knowledge of family issues and be sensitive to the needs of homeless families.
•  Must have a demonstrated ability to advocate and provide follow-up around housing issues and be able to conduct housing specific workshops.
•  Must possess knowledge and skills necessary to develop strong linkages with city and private housing agencies as well as the ability to secure permanent housing for homeless population.
•  Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.
•  Must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.
•  Will be required to use computer mouse and keyboard.
•  Will be required to read information on computer screen.
•  Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
•  Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.
•  Must be able to lift 10 pounds at times, occasionally reach and bend.
•  May require occasional work outside established working hours, including evenings and weekends.

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.