Housing Specialist at On Call Counsel

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Salary: $54,000

Schedule: 

•  Monday through Friday, 9 to 5.
• Location: Bronx, NY

Summary:

Our client, a prominent Bronx-based nonprofit organization, is seeking housing specialists to advance their mission of providing housing intervention and assistance services. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing housing services to help clients understand and overcome personal or social issues affecting their housing. The housing specialist will cooperate with case managers and legal staff to develop service plans for clients to ensure permanent and stable housing and access to community sources. The specialist will be encouraged to be cross-trained and have an understanding of the job functions within the Housing Services Department.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with program participants to develop service plans that correlate with resolving presenting problems and obstacles to maintaining housing stability
• Assist in client intake, service planning, advocacy, and referral services in the absence of a case manager
• Maintain weekly or bi-weekly contact with clients to follow-up on service plan 
• Maintain records monitor case progress and enter case related information into AWARDS Database
• Conduct and/or participate in housing related activities and workshops 
• Assist participants with obtaining and reinstating benefits 
• Assist participants in identifying financial resources
• Advocate and submit applications for rental assistance grants through charitable organizations
• Compile and submit packages to HRA for Rental Assistance Grants (Exceptions to Policy) and One-Shot Deals
• Make appointments with landlords and other housing agents to ensure individuals have housing leads in the event relocation from current housing is required
• Work collaboratively with legal services staff to identify client readiness on legal proceedings
• Treat all clients, visitors and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity
• Enforce facility rules and regulations to maintain compliance
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Time management and prioritization
• Maintain awareness of new trends and development in social services and related fields
• Perform general clerical duties

Professional & Personal Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with 0+ years of direct social service experience 
• Associate degree in Human Service, or related field with 2+ years of direct social service experience preferred but not required 
• High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with 4+ years of direct social service experience preferred but not required
• Knowledgeable of the plight of the homeless and special needs populations
• Knowledgeable of case work/case management methodologies
• Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient
• Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment
• Fluency in Spanish highly preferred

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.