Job Scope: The Housing Specialist assists individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing in Bronx Family Network. They focus on finding suitable housing, navigating the application process, and ensuring that clients are prepared for independent living, while also maintaining relationships with landlords, brokers, housing providers, and community organizations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Identifying suitable housing options for clients, including those in public housing (NYCHA) and Section 8 programs.
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Developing and maintaining relationships with landlords, brokers, and management companies.
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Escorting clients to view apartments and assisting with lease negotiations.
- Assess the client’s housing needs and create individualized housing plans.
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Assist clients who are eligible for government housing programs, subsidies, and benefits.
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Assist clients in completing housing applications and gathering required documents.
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Facilitate housing workshops and mock interviews.
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Provide apartment search strategies and leads to apartments.
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Check and respond to work-related emails daily to ensure timely communication and awareness of important updates, assignments, and organizational notices.
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Maintain a database of housing resources, including brokers, landlords, and property managers.
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Conduct outreach to identify available housing opportunities.
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Build relationships with government partners, community organizations, and housing agencies.
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Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and meetings with brokers and landlords.
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Serve as a housing resource for the shelter’s social service staff.
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Represent the agency in housing-related coalitions, task forces, and committees.
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Prepare reports and participate in program evaluations as needed.
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Assist with ongoing training and professional development seminars.
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director.
Qualifications and Skills:
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Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field required, work preferred.
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A minimum of two years of experience in case management, assessment, and crisis intervention is preferred.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Demonstrated experience in housing advocacy and program navigation.
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Knowledge of city and state housing systems (NYCHA, HPD, HUD, HRA programs, etc.) as well as DHS system for package submission.
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Ability to manage housing databases and track housing leads.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
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Ability to facilitate client workshops and support groups.
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Flexible schedule to accommodate client and housing needs.
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Must be organized, dependable, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
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Experience working with vulnerable populations, homeless and underserved families, is preferred.
Work Environment:
The position operates within a shelter setting and in the community. It requires in-person client meetings, housing site visits, and participation in DHS meetings online and in person in citywide housing advocacy efforts.
Physical Demands:
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Ability to travel throughout NYC by public transportation.
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Ability to conduct housing inspections.
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Must be able to carry informational materials, files, and a laptop/tablet.
Work Relations and Teamwork:
Collaborates with case managers, supervisors, and external housing partners. Maintains a client-centered approach and works proactively with all team members to achieve housing goals.
Resident and Client Focus:
Prioritizes client dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality. Encourages empowerment while helping clients navigate the housing system effectively and ethically.
Other Duties:
This job description is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned by the supervisor to meet program needs.
Compliance and Employment Statement:
Bronx Family Network is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, or any protected status. This job description does not constitute an employment contract and may be modified as needed.
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Bronx Family Network does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the company. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other job duties, responsibilities, and assignments required by company officials. This job description does not constitute an employment contract between the company and any employee. The job responsibilities of this position may include cross-training in other functions to ensure satisfactory operations.
