Counselor, Housing Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in Phoenix Houses of NY/LI. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from rehabilitation to permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options, developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with government and community agencies to help increase clients’ access to meaningful housing. This position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

• Assess clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.
• Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing.
• Identify, and assist clients to obtain relevant documents needed for applications for permanent housing.
• Provide individual counseling, advocacy and support to clients.
• Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices).
• Develop and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.
• Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive community-based organizations.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and weekly supervisions

COMPETENCIES (KSA’s)

• Ethical Practices
• Judgment
• Relationship Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Empathy
• Professional Boundaries
• Global and Cultural Awareness
• Critical Evaluation
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Crisis Management
• Technical Capacity

REQUIRED EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or equivalent

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in good standing

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum one yearin a behavioral health/substance use disorder treatment program

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in an indoor office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Regularly required to sit, use hands to type, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.