Housing Specialist

Services to Residents:  

• Establish one-to-one relationships with residents
• Manage housing applications for residents to permanent housing and track the progress. 
• Coordinate effectively with the social service staff on any necessary documentation.
• Where appropriate, accompany residents to housing interviews, conduct tours of various housing options.
• Provide individual and group information about housing options
• Once resident is housed, provide support and coordination to community resources and be a liaison to the landlord where needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Always protect resident rights

Reporting/Liaison/compliance:  

• Ensure housing packets/applications are completed and are in compliance with requirements of regulatory bodies, including but not limited to:  New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York City Dept. of Homeless Services, New York City Dept. of Buildings, New York City Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development, FDNY, City of New York Dept. of Health and Mental Health, Coalition for the Homeless
• Provide administrative support to ensure any data is entered into AWARDS and CARES databases as required by contract agencies.

Other 

• Work as a member of a team to establish and maintain high level of care and respect for and communication with residents and staff
• Work closely with the Housing Specialist Coordinator and the Valley Lodge team to ensure housing placements and related follow-up are on track.
• Share information about resident progress, needs, and problems with other staff in accordance with WSFSSH confidentiality policy.
• Attend training sessions and conferences as required for enhancement of job skills and professional development. 
• Submit all required reports in a complete and timely manner

Qualifications expected:  

• Minimum of 1 year of experience providing housing information/applications for homeless individuals
• Strong computer skills and experience with databases, electronic charting such as AWARDS (Foothold Technology) and CARES (DHS).  
• Preferred:  Knowledge of US Immigration policies, including eligibility for and procedures for applying for benefits
• Preferred: Bilingual Spanish/English

Work Schedule  

Monday through Friday from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm 

Benefit Overview 

Westside Federation of Senior & Supportive Housing offers full-time employees a comprehensive choice of benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 (B) retirement savings, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life & Disability, Short-term and Long- term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) commuter benefits and more. Voluntary benefit options and Time Off that includes 11-12 paid Federal Holidays, accrued Vacation and Sick Time.  

EEO Policy or Statement  

WSFSSH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based upon employees’ qualifications without discrimination, on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.