Housing Specialist

Bronx Parent Housing Network (BPHN) is looking for a Housing Specialist to join the team!

Who We Are: BPHN is committed to making a difference in solving the housing problem in New York City by transforming lives and creating holistic paths to employment so that individuals and families can secure safe, clean, affordable and permanent housing.

What We Offer:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous PTO
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Professional Development
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 403b Plan
• 403b Employer Match
• An opportunity to positively impact the lives of the thousands of clients we serve!

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: Assists clients in obtaining and securing permanent housing through intense advocacy. Coordinate all necessary services including utility hook-up and moving arrangements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screens clients for admission to program and provides orientation to clients describing services. Initiates input into the development of a client-service plan and setting goals for independent living and securing housing.
• Advocates on behalf of clients to obtain permanent housing; coordinates all necessary services including utility connections and moving arrangements.
• Supervises clients participation in the program services and documents all services provided for the client files as requested by supervisor.
• Provides supportive counseling to the client through crisis intervention; individual counseling; group support and case management. Share observations and assessments of individual clients with appropriate affiliate professionals. Documents services provided for client files as requested by supervisor
• Maintains contact with outside agencies to refer or obtain additional client services. Escort clients to referred programs and apartment viewings.
• Attends appropriate interdepartmental and cross-functional meeting to increase awareness of services as needed.
• Prepare reports to document the professional work process.
• Maintains up to date on all housing provisions and vouchers.
• Performs other duties as requested.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: Independently identifies and works with Director of Social Services to resolve problems, determining solutions from established standards or procedures.

KNOWLEDGE: Job duties require a thorough familiarity with all department procedures and goals to assure work meets standard.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for taking reasonable care of property, equipment and other assets.

CONTACTS: Regularly interacts with a well-defined constituency to carry out program activities, including direct client services and/or interactions with other programs or agencies.

SUPERVISION: Occasionally instructs or assists other employees.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelors degree in social services, public administration, counseling or its equivalent is preferred with at least 2 years of experience as a Housing Specialist OR

Experience: Five years of directly related work experience in a Human Service Agency or Shelter system is required. Non-profit experience is strongly preferred with understanding of homelessness environment. Knowledge of DHS/CARES database is helpful.

Related Skills or Knowledge: Good organizational skills. Attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and demonstrated customer service orientation. Ability to advocate with strong negotiating skills. Comprehensive knowledge in one or more of the following; DHS/HRA housing vouchers, supplements and other potential entitlements, criminal justice system, public housing and social services is required. Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Computer literate.

Other Requirements: Ability to travel locally and work irregular hours to accomplish essential job functions. Required to utilize near vision ability to read data and documents, including spreadsheets and reports in printed form or on computer screens. Regularly required to move fingers, wrists and arms in a repetitive manner to operate office equipment.

Thank you for your interest in working with us!

Website: www.bphn.org

EEO STATEMENT: BPHN provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement to all employees and applicants for employment. BPHN does not discriminate against any individual based on race, creed, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, color, age, national origin, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or self-image, gender appearance, behavior or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, family medical history or request for or receipt of genetic services, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest or conviction history, or any other characteristic or status protected by law in employment decisions including recruitment, hiring, compensation, fringe benefits, staff development and training, promotion or transfer, lay-off or termination, or any other condition of employment. BPHN is committed to fostering diversity at all levels.

Proof of Vaccination is a Job Requirement at BPHN