Housing Specialist (Job ID: 18572)

Job DetailsLevelExperiencedJob Location1055 University Avenue - Bronx, NYPosition TypeFull TimeEducation Level4 Year DegreeTravel PercentageUp to 25%Job ShiftAnyJob CategoryNonprofit - Social ServicesDescriptionPRIMARY 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 RESPONSIBILITIESScreens 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 client's 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: Bachelor's degree in social services, public administration, counseling or its equivalent is preferredwith at least 2 years of experience as a Housing Specialist ORExperience: 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.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.AGENCY EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEESAdheres to Bronx Parent Housing Network's Policies and Procedures. Acts as a role model within and outside the agency. Performs duties as workload necessitates. Attendance and Dependability: the employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments. Communication and Contact: the employee communicates both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside Bronx Parent Housing Network. Relationships with others: the employee works and communicates effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside Bronx Parent Housing Network. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships. Employee adheres to mission statement and guiding principles.