Housing Specialist

Position Name

Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist works with survivors to locate and secure housing of their choice by assessing the survivor’s housing options, working collaboratively with them to address barriers and ensure connection to stable housing.

About Restore NYC

Restore is a nonprofit organization that makes freedom real for survivors of trafficking in the United States. Our vision is a world free from trafficking and a life of hope, restoration, and flourishing for every survivor. Learn more about us on our website .

Faith & Mission Alignment

Because our work is rooted in our Christian faith, we seek full-time team members who share our commitment to trusting in God, pursuing justice, and caring for one another in alignment with our core values:

• We depend on God
• We pursue impact
• We execute with excellence
• We care for each other
• We can’t do it alone
• The survivor drives our approach

Diversity & Inclusion: The Foundation to Making Freedom Real

Restore's mission is to make freedom real for survivors of trafficking in the United States. To do that, we desire a staff team more representative of the survivors we serve — almost all of whom are Black, Latina, and/or immigrants. Applicants from these underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applicants who have lived experience of trafficking or labor exploitation.

About the Position

The Housing Specialist reports directly to the Manager of Rapid Re-Housing a nd will work with survivors to locate and secure housing of their choice by assessing the survivor’s housing options, working collaboratively with them to address barriers and ensure connection to stable housing. The Housing Specialist will also work with landlords and property managers while connecting survivors to housing and ongoing support. The Housing Specialist will be a central source for housing information and resources for staff and survivors of trafficking.

The Housing Specialist will assist with engaging and forming partnership with landlords, brokers and management companies; working directly with clients to find them safe scattered- site housing, communal living or submitting supportive housing applications; and holding a caseload

This is a full-time hybrid position located in New York City with some travels throughout New York City to locate apartment resources for participants and accompany participants to potential housing.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist participants in housing searches and provide supportive services to promote long-term housing stability.
• Identify participants’ strengths and barriers to stable housing, linking them to resources and services to address those barriers.
• Assess participants’ housing options, including private rentals, government-financed housing programs, and subsidies such as EHV, Section 8, NYCHA, and supportive housing, while assisting with application processes.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of housing resources, including brokers, landlords, and property management contacts.
• Conduct community outreach to identify new housing opportunities.
• Accompany participants to housing-related appointments and resources as needed.
• Collaborate with participants to create individualized, strength-based, and solution-focused plans that support permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Manage the Housing program’s flexible spending budget and determine appropriate financial assistance for participants.
• Advocate with landlords, property managers, and neighbors to address housing concerns and support participants in obtaining or maintaining housing.
• Apply “Housing First” principles in all housing interventions.
• Practice trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically sensitive, and survivor-centered approaches in all client interactions and collaborations with stakeholders.
• Attend all staff meetings, workshops, and training as directed.
• Participate in all other duties and activities as requested or assigned.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in the field of housing, housing subsidies, landlord and property management engagement including thorough understanding of tenants’ rights and responsibilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social-service agencies, and landlords in New York City
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization in meeting or conference settings.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage difficult situations and engage in conflict resolution with participants in the housing program
• Comfortable working independently while working in a team environment

Requirements

• Affirm the Nicene Creed and attend a Christian church
• Spanish Fluency Preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in social service-related field (preferred, but not required)
• Knowledge of New York City housing, RRH, Flexible Funding and social services systems
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
• Strong knowledge of advocacy for survivors while navigating the housing search and leasing process
• Conduct research on housing, leasing regulations and HUD FMR standards

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $65,000–$70,000, based on qualifications, relevant experience, and ability to meet role responsibilities.

Restore offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Fifteen vacation days, four spiritual retreat days, unlimited sick days, and parental leave
• A flex-time policy
• Major medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Employee contributions to a 401(k), HSA, and FSA
• Commuter benefits

Job Location

This job is based in New York City and is hybrid with some travels throughout New York City to locate apartment resources for participants and accompany participants to potential housing.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Restore provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.