Housing Specialist

Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: Housing Coordinator

Location: Queens, New York City

Hourly Range: $24.72 - $27.47

The Housing Specialist is responsible for helping clients find permanent housing and become self-sufficient. Services will include assisting with orienting clients to the housing search process and training clients in how to conduct an apartment search, how to interview for an apartment, and how to complete housing applications. Additionally, the Housing Specialist will provide escorts to housing-related appointments and facilitate moving on by supporting clients with direct assistance during the final moving-out phase.

Position Type: This is a full-time position with a daytime schedule that may include some weekend hours. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the shelter. Lantern staff may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts the housing intake and housing assessment interviews for all new clients.
• Adheres to DHS timeframes for permanent housing placement.
• Assists with the completion of the housing portion of the initial service plan/independent living plan and any necessary revisions.
• Assists assigned Case Managers to complete and submit HRA-2010E applications and obtain related paperwork.
• Assists with the completion of housing reports and in gathering and organizing any statistics and demographic information requested by funders.
• Presents workshops for clients to educate them about the housing process and the skills needed to secure and maintain permanent housing such as budgeting and credit development and repair.
• Develops new housing resources and educate clients about available benefits such as subsidies and vouchers.
• Escorts clients to view apartments and other appointments as needed.
• Assists clients in moving into permanent housing by providing support such as attending lease signings, assisting with applications for one-shot deals, providing moving assistance, etc.
• Provides additional information and instruction on the skills required to secure and maintain permanent housing, such as how to create and maintain a household budget.
• Participate in housing meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, and other meetings/training as assigned.
• Documents all counseling, escorting, referral, and discharge planning activities in client charts.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma, G.E.D or High School Equivalency required; Associate's degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in assisting the homeless or other populations to find housing is required.
• Experience providing services to individuals with mental illness, substance use, chronic health conditions, and/or homelessness.
• Sensitivity to issues involved in working with a diverse organization.
• Must have initiative, the ability to work well under pressure, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Preferred. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

Work Environment: This job operates in a homeless shelter and works with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/ or kneel. Occasionally the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note:

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities. Lantern welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, pregnancy, religion, immigration status, veteran status, class, creed, mental or physical disability, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.