HOUSING SPECIALIST

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.

SCHEDULE 

Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM or 9:00AM - 5:00PM

SUMMARY

Family Service League is seeking a full-time Housing Specialist for Program Home in Huntington, NY. The Housing Specialist reports to the Program Coordinator and is responsible for assisting homeless families with obtaining permanent housing. The housing specialist is experienced with the housing process, is familiar with housing resources, is able to formulate relationships with landlords and brokers, inspect apartments, accompany clients to apartment viewings, and collaborate with government agencies to link clients to apartments and utilize rental subsidy programs.

We offer a generous benefits package including the following:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous PTO (paid time off)
• Up to 11 paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Student Tuition Remission Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Discounts and more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Housing Specialist will conduct comprehensive intakes of all clients.
• Develop individualized housing plan for each client.
• Conduct regular face-to-face contact with clients.
• Complete monthly reports. 
• The Housing Specialist will locate appropriate housing for households who are homeless.
• Document all contact with and on behalf of the program participants.
• Ensure timely completion of housing inspections.
• Arrange forums with outside providers to provide information on topics related to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
• Provide additional information/instruction on the skills required to secure and maintain permanent housing to program participants.
• Assist participants in the completion of all housing applications and ensure the applications are submitted to housing programs in a timely manner.
• The Housing Specialist will develop new housing resources.
• Escort participants to view apartments and other appointments as needed.
• Assist participants in moving into permanent housing (i.e., attend lease signing, ensure utilities are turned on, and coordinate transportation/moving).
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, department meetings, weekly individual supervisory sessions, and staff training.
• Complete monthly budgets with clients and regularly work with clients to increase monthly income.
• Provide ongoing support, crisis intervention and counseling for clients in reaching their goals.
• Advocate for client needs.
• Review lease agreements and be an ongoing liaison between the program and property managers.
• Participate in ongoing landlord engagement regarding possible housing opportunities for homeless clients and ensure follow up with difficult or non-compliant landlords.
• Document and maintain up to date records on services provided.
• Comply with all rules and regulations with regards to FSL property (i.e., agency provided cell phone/laptop)
• Answer all emails and phone calls/voicemails within a timely manner.
• Attend trainings, as applicable.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum of 3-5 years working with the homeless population preferred.

Prior experience in case management, housing resources, assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention preferred.

Familiarity with affordable housing.

Experience providing housing placement assistance services.

Familiarity with Fair Housing regulations.

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.

Understanding housing developments, the public and private real estate industry, Public Housing Authorities, as well as state, federal, and local housing programs/rental assistance programs.

Possess knowledge of available housing resources and apartment search techniques.

Proficient computer skills, including MS Office required. HMIS experience preferred.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Valid and clean NYS Driver's License required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This position requires sitting and working at a computer for extended periods of time, conducting weekly visits to the various shelters where each client resides and traveling to different FSL offices/community meetings.  

Must be able to walk up and down stairs.