Housing specialist

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. In all aspects of our work, we strive for the highest ethical and performance standards and guided by the belief that people are to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their present situation or past experiences. We have 62 locations throughout the borough providing a variety of programs that offer assistance in the areas of family, children and youth support, educational services, elder care, homelessness, mental health, and workforce development. We are an employer of choice for anyone interested in a meaningful career in the social services field.

Our family shelters are safe, welcoming spaces where families can stay temporarily while they work toward long-term stability. Program staff provide compassionate support, life-enhancing services, and community-based resources to help empower each family. Together, we guide families on their journey back to independence and into permanent housing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interaction with clients, brokers and landlords:

• Act as a liaison with clients, brokers and landlords.
• Provide direct services to clients, including Housing intake, engagement, assessment, service plan development, referral, advocacy, counseling, exit summaries and follow-up
• Escort clients to viewings, lease signing and interviews for apartments.
• Outreach and establish relationships with new brokers and landlords
• Provide vouchered clients with 2 referrals for apartment viewings per week.

Documentation:

• Document all interactions with, or on behalf of clients.
• Accurately and timely complete and compile landlord one-shot-deal packages for various housing programs and submit for approval and processing for OSD checks.
• Complete program reports on a monthly basis, or more frequently as required.
• Provide daily housing updates to the Director of Social Services and Residence Director.
• Monitor and document client progress toward housing service plan goals/exit strategy.

Administrative:

• Complete housing intakes within 48 hours of admission.
• Meet monthly placement numbers. Targets are set by the funder.
• Meet with moveout ready clients weekly.
• Maintain familiarity with Housing programs, various subsidies/vouchers/resources available on- and off-site.
• Facilitate monthly housing meetings on housing as assigned by the program director.
• Conduct regular case conferences with clients and service providers as required.

Trainings/Supervision:

• Complete apartment inspections in the field.
• Attend DHS weekly office hours; trainings/meetings weekly.
• Report to, and meet with, supervisor on a minimum monthly basis.
• Attending strategic planning housing meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree required, bachelor's degree preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of related experience and familiarity with low-income housing and government subsidy programs
• Proficiency in modern business communications including personal computers, electronic mail, voicemail, facsimile, and copier equipment.
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in Housing servicing of homeless families in shelter.
• Clearance through New York State Central Registry (SCR) and New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Justice Center’s Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and Division of Criminal Justice Service (DCJS) required.
• Bilingual language skills in English and Spanish preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication, time management, and organizational skills are necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other standard business technology

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to climb five flights of stairs, if required to conduct home visits and/or fieldwork.
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents.
• Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation.
• Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time and in all types of weather, including inclement weather, if required to conduct home visits and/or field work.

BronxWorks seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [email protected].