Housing Specialist
Project Renewal, Rochester, NY, United States
Title
Housing Specialist
Program Fort Washington Men's Shelter
Salary Range $44,000 - $46,665
Program Description The On‑Site Rehab Program is based at the Fort Washington Men’s Shelter— a 200‑bed temporary shelter which Project Renewal manages under a contract with the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Comprehensive psychiatric, medical and case management services are provided to homeless men who have been diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse.
Overall Responsibilities Under the general direction of the Clinical Coordinator, with some latitude for independent action and decision making, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying housing options for the clients—especially the long‑term stayers—and assisting the clients in preparing and submitting applications so permanent housing can be obtained, the lengths of stay in the shelter can be reduced, and clients can obtain independence and return to their communities. The role also includes related duties.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Utilizing vacancy rosters provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and other housing providers, identify vacancies throughout the five boroughs and select possible housing options for clients to apply for placement.
Seek out rental units throughout the different boroughs and participate in cold calls with landlords to interview clients for buildings.
Review the application package for each client to ensure documents are complete, the psychological evaluation is current, and submit to the housing provider. Perform appropriate follow‑up on submitted applications.
Review the Overnight Report daily to become aware of new clients for orientation and to know if any clients have missed curfew or a scheduled appointment for housing placement. Perform appropriate follow‑up in either situation.
Conduct weekly individualized and group meetings, especially for clients who have been waiting for move‑in dates.
Check in with CMs to ensure clients are saving and taking medications if applicable.
Visit housing providers’ facilities to develop and maintain positive working relationships and obtain detailed information for clients applying for placement.
Prepare clients for housing interviews, conduct mock interview sessions, accompany them on tours of facilities, and coordinate and facilitate the referral processes.
Coordinate escort services for groups of clients going for housing placement interviews.
Review and update the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews and selections or denials; perform special follow‑up on any denial.
Complete monthly statistics for PEQA as well as the Director.
Additional Duties
Collaborate with Case Managers and the Entitlements Specialist on housing options for clients and secure documented financial resources for applications.
Maintain and provide information and reports on housing milestones, placements, and attend weekly meetings on these issues.
Attend and participate in the weekly Performance for Permanency (P4P) case management conferences.
Conduct quarterly housing fairs by teaming up with other shelters.
Qualifications
All candidates must have experience working with individuals who have been homeless, assisting them in finding housing.
Must have a High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of experience or a BA degree from an accredited college.
Must possess a working knowledge of low‑income housing in New York City as well as special‑needs housing, including supportive housing and SROs, and will be willing to learn about various housing subsidies.
Ability to work independently and initiate corrective action plans to assist clients in finding permanent housing.
Must have knowledge of computer software and be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
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Program Fort Washington Men's Shelter
Salary Range $44,000 - $46,665
Program Description The On‑Site Rehab Program is based at the Fort Washington Men’s Shelter— a 200‑bed temporary shelter which Project Renewal manages under a contract with the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Comprehensive psychiatric, medical and case management services are provided to homeless men who have been diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse.
Overall Responsibilities Under the general direction of the Clinical Coordinator, with some latitude for independent action and decision making, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying housing options for the clients—especially the long‑term stayers—and assisting the clients in preparing and submitting applications so permanent housing can be obtained, the lengths of stay in the shelter can be reduced, and clients can obtain independence and return to their communities. The role also includes related duties.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Utilizing vacancy rosters provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and other housing providers, identify vacancies throughout the five boroughs and select possible housing options for clients to apply for placement.
Seek out rental units throughout the different boroughs and participate in cold calls with landlords to interview clients for buildings.
Review the application package for each client to ensure documents are complete, the psychological evaluation is current, and submit to the housing provider. Perform appropriate follow‑up on submitted applications.
Review the Overnight Report daily to become aware of new clients for orientation and to know if any clients have missed curfew or a scheduled appointment for housing placement. Perform appropriate follow‑up in either situation.
Conduct weekly individualized and group meetings, especially for clients who have been waiting for move‑in dates.
Check in with CMs to ensure clients are saving and taking medications if applicable.
Visit housing providers’ facilities to develop and maintain positive working relationships and obtain detailed information for clients applying for placement.
Prepare clients for housing interviews, conduct mock interview sessions, accompany them on tours of facilities, and coordinate and facilitate the referral processes.
Coordinate escort services for groups of clients going for housing placement interviews.
Review and update the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews and selections or denials; perform special follow‑up on any denial.
Complete monthly statistics for PEQA as well as the Director.
Additional Duties
Collaborate with Case Managers and the Entitlements Specialist on housing options for clients and secure documented financial resources for applications.
Maintain and provide information and reports on housing milestones, placements, and attend weekly meetings on these issues.
Attend and participate in the weekly Performance for Permanency (P4P) case management conferences.
Conduct quarterly housing fairs by teaming up with other shelters.
Qualifications
All candidates must have experience working with individuals who have been homeless, assisting them in finding housing.
Must have a High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of experience or a BA degree from an accredited college.
Must possess a working knowledge of low‑income housing in New York City as well as special‑needs housing, including supportive housing and SROs, and will be willing to learn about various housing subsidies.
Ability to work independently and initiate corrective action plans to assist clients in finding permanent housing.
Must have knowledge of computer software and be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
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