Housing Specialist Transitional Services

Title:                            Housing Specialist - Transitional Services

Unit:                            Housing Transitional Services Unit

Salary Range:            $32.97 to $35.72 (approximately $60,000 to 65,000 annually)

Status:                         Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

Location:                    Wales Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455

Days/Hours:               Monday to  Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Position Summary:

The Housing Specialist will assist justice-involved clients in securing permanent housing by conducting screenings and assessments to support their successful stabilization in the community.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The candidate must have a history of working with a population who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disorders. In addition, the person must be able interact and work with a persons impacted by the legal system and have a history of homelessness. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete supportive housing applications in the Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS)
• Create individualized treatment plans for each client. Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts
• Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance
• Liaison with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner
• Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process
• Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues
• Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan
• Schedule and accompany clients, if needed, to apartment viewings and participate in all clients move ins
• Facilitate housing readiness workshops and participate in relevant training
• Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits, as needed
• Search for alternative options to secure permanent housing
• Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the Program Director

Qualifications:

• HS diploma: some college preferred.
• At least two years’ experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues
• Experience of working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (clients and people in recovery are encouraged to apply)
• Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills
• Possess strong verbal and writing skills
• Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications
• Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain the social services needed
• Possess valid driver’s license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record

Travel Requirements: This position requires weekly on-site availability and travel to various Fortune housing and program locations as required.

Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.