Housing Specialist

Title:                  Housing Specialist

Program:           New Providence Women’s Shelter   

Salary Range:   $45,000-$50,000 per year

Program Description:

The New Providence Women’s Shelter is a 130-bed 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless women diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities, and housing placement assistance. Additionally, an on-site Article 28 Clinic provides primary and behavioral health care services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Housing Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Acts as primary liaison with DHS for scheduling interviews and other housing-related items
• Visit housing providers to develop and maintain positive working relationships
• Prepare clients for housing interviews, accompany them on tours to facilities, and generally coordinate the housing referral process
• Maintains an updated resource manual on available housing
• Create and maintain a system to track housing applications and their status
• Consult with case management staff regarding housing options for individual clients and adherence to their Individual Living Plans, identifying short and long-term objectives to be achieved.
• Input all client information and updates in a timely fashion into the CARES system.
• Collaborate with clients and other staff to identify and obtain financial entitlements, housing, and other concrete services.
• Counsel clients through individualized and group sessions on issues such as achieving housing goals, and finding permanent or alternative housing and employment opportunities.
• Organize and educate clients through sessions.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A Master’s degree in Social Work or other human services field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience working with homeless Mentally Ill and Chemical Affected also known as (MICA) individuals or other special needs populations.
• Have a growing knowledge of NYC low-income and special needs housing including NY/NY Supportive and Supported Housing, Section 8 Housing, LINC housing, Shelter Exit Transition (SET), Public Assistance, and CUCS housing options. (Preferred)
• Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills.
• Must walk the floors of the facility, traveling up and down staircases.
• Knowledge of case management software, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.