Housing Specialist

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Social Services/Social Services Supervisor, the Housing Specialist provides assistance and support to achieve permanent housing placement for all clients.  The Housing Specialist also provides and documents clinical case management services for assigned clients according to the requirements of Urban Pathways and all regulatory and funding agencies. The Housing Specialist will be an active listener and provide high quality customer service and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment. 

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program/Facilities

1. Provides support and guidance to program staff in the execution of all housing related tasks including but not limited:

1. Reviews, completes, and makes recommendations, when necessary, on all housing applications including but not limited to: HRA 2010e, General Population, LINC, HPD, etc.
2. Manages and tracks all housing packages submitted to housing providers including DHS, OMH, HPD, etc.
3. Provides on-going follow-up to program staff and clients regarding housing status.
4. Assists clients with completing relevant applications for housing subsidies and programs, and advocates on behalf of clients to ensure that they receive the appropriate housing and housing subsidies.
5. Liaises with potential landlords and/or rental agents to ensure that potential housing meets city and agency standards.
6. Ensures successful and safe transition of clients into permanent housing and provides local community resources to clients if needed.
7. Assesses client housing interview skills and assists them to achieve competency in presentation and interviewing skills.
8. Escorts clients to housing interviews as needed.

1. Provides comprehensive case management services for assigned clients including, but not limited to:

1. Entitlements
2. Housing
3. Employment/Education/Vocational Training
4. Medical, mental health treatment, and substance abuse services
5. Social and community integration

           3. Provides counseling and support to clients on and on-going basis including, but not limited to:

1. Crisis intervention
2. Training and support on client daily living skills, as required
3. Assistance in problem solving, as required
4. Conflict resolution
5. Advocacy

          4. Assesses client needs, develops service plans and/or service referrals to achieve client self-sufficiency.           5. Conducts field work including, but not limited to home visits, escorting clients to appointments, and outreach.           6. Facilitates client groups and staff training as required. 

Administrative

1. Maintains housing tracking placement forms and reconciles all placement using client database system(s). 
   1. Tracks and completes housing logs on a weekly basis.
   2. Prepares and verifies monthly housing placement reports.

1. Maintains and submits all necessary documentation and reports accurately, timely, and as required by Urban Pathways, regulatory and funding agency policies and procedures including but not limited to:

1. Enters progress notes after each client meeting within 48 hours and/or as mandated by Program
2. Completes Intake/Admission documentation within 24 hours of client admission and/or as mandated by Program.
3. Documents assessments in client records within required timeframe (not applicable for Outreach Program)
4. Updates information in client records, as required.
5. Documents incidents and distributes related notices within 24 hours and/or as mandated by Program.

Community Relations

1. Develops and maintains relationships with community services and resources.
   1. Networks with providers within and outside the DHS System to develop partnerships and housing referral opportunities.
2. Attends and participates in external meetings with funding agencies, community groups, and housing providers. 

Communication

1. Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times
   1. Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.
2. Attends staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions as required.

Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in social work or another related field preferred.
• A minimum of two years of clinical individual or group counseling experience preferred. 
• Experience with NYC housing subsidies and programs required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorder, and involvement with the justice system preferred.

Skills & Competencies 

• Proficiency in Google Suite & Microsoft 365, Videoconference, & technical online skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and be resourceful. 
• Foreign language skills a plus.
• A proactive person-centered approach.
• Experience in working with diverse communities.  

Capabilities

• Required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various programs sites.

Licenses

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record a plus.
• Valid housing license or certification if applicable.

Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. 

These benefits include:

• Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
• Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
• Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.