Housing Specialist - Jewish Family Services of Western New York

WHY JOIN JFS?
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch - A person who is ethical, decent, and admirable. It's someone who acts with integrity and honor, often showing kindness and consideration towards others. Being called a Mensch is a compliment suggesting that one's character is upright, responsible, and morally sound.
Be Person-Centered - Meeting individuals where they are at.
Be Culturally Responsive - Creating purpose-built spaces and programs for our clients that respect their culture.
Be Resolute - Tenacity, solution-seeking, and getting stuff done.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Housing Specialist is responsible for performing all housing services as prescribed in any Cooperative Agreement or relevant grant program, support case managers with proper documentation and ensuring that newly arrived refugee families are provided with a home that meets all program requirements. This includes assisting in all move-in activities, managing financial assistance funds and other additional housing needs. They will work towards developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations and providers through outreach, partnership, and education on JFS Services. The position works closely with the Resettlement Team, Volunteer Coordinator and Special Programs Manager and Housing Manager to build the overall capacity of the agency to secure safe and affordable housing for its clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Housing Manager in communication with property managers/affordable housing developers to foster rapport, assist in expanding the housing network, and maintain a current and accurate list of affordable rental properties.
• Identify opportunities for housing advocacy and collaborate with preferred community case workers, resettlement and placement case workers, and other resettlement agencies community groups and city's housing departments.
• Develop and maintain positive communication between resettlement team, property owners and managers to secure housing for incoming clients.
• Serve as liaison between Tenants and Landlords to ensure that clients maintain housing; This includes responding to requests for assistance in lease renewals, lease violations, or re-certifications.
• Review client biodata, prior to arrival, to identify housing needs including accommodations for disability if necessary and assist in requesting reasonable accommodation as needed.
• Ensure that all apartments meet safety, affordability, and habitability standards and units are set up in accordance with the requirements of the Cooperative Agreement and agency standards, with all household goods, furniture, and other items present.
• Work with Volunteer Coordinator to secure donations and set up apartments when support is available. Complete household setups with Resettlement Team as needed, coordinating the purchase of required household items.
• Establish utility accounts for newly arrived refugees and ensure that all utilities are turned-on prior to refugee clients moving in.
• Ensure that requested funding for housing related expenses and all service encounters are documents in case files and appropriate databases for grant compliance.
• Communicate promptly with the Housing Manager regarding any needed resources that will otherwise hinder compliance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including case notes, service plans, and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with program policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• Participate in case coordination meetings, team meetings, and training sessions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, or a related field or related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management, housing services, or a related field.
• Experience working with low-income families and/or families from disparate cultural backgrounds highly desirable.
• Ability to lift items up to 30 lbs. as well as experience driving box truck (up to 20 foot)
• Flexibility to work some evenings, nights, and weekends as needed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to social justice and serving vulnerable populations.

This position will require regular travel to meet clients, visit housing sites, work on housing setups, and attend community meetings. Therefore, you must have a reliable vehicle, a valid New York State driver's license, and auto liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300K. Also, if hired, you must produce evidence of having received the Covid-19 vaccination.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary range of $21.00 to $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits such as health insurance (Independent Health), accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks, 401k retirement plan with company match, and 13+ observed holidays.
• Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make meaningful impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If this sounds like the opportunity that you've been looking for, please apply today by completing our application located at https://jfsbuffalo.applicantpro.com/jobsbyorganization/. Please provide a resume and cover letter along with your application.

Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.