Housing Specialist

Project Renewal is a leading non-profit organization with the mission of building supportive communities where people achieve dignity and independence, renewing their lives with health, homes, and jobs. Our comprehensive and integrated 24/7 programs are designed to offer the holistic care our clients need. With a staff of 950+ and an annual budget of $140 million, Project Renewal is one of the larger social service nonprofits in New York City.Title: Housing SpecialistProgram: Fort Washington Men's ShelterSalary Range: $44,000 - $46,665Program DescriptionThe On-Site Rehab Program is based at the Fort Washington Men’s Shelter- a 200 bed temporary shelter which Project Renewal manages under a contract with the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Comprehensive psychiatric, medical and case management services are provided to homeless men who have been diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse.Overall ResponsibilitiesUnder the general direction of the Clinical Coordinator, with some latitude for independent action and decision making, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying housing options for the clients, especially the long term stayers, and assisting the clients in preparing and submitting applications so permanent housing can be obtained, the lengths of stay in the shelter can be reduced, and clients can obtain independence and return to their communities; performs related duties.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe essential duties of the Housing Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:Utilizing vacancy rosters provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and other housing providers, identifies vacancies throughout the five boroughs and selects possible housing options to which clients can apply for placement. Seek out rental units throughout the different boroughs and participate in cold calls with an attempt to landlords to interview our clients for buildings. Reviews the application package for each client to be sure documents are complete, the psychological evaluation is current, and makes the submission to the housing provider. Performs appropriate follow-up on submitted applications. Reviews the Overnight Report daily to become aware of new clients to be scheduled for orientation and to know if any clients have missed curfew and possibly a scheduled appointment for housing placement. Performs appropriate follow-up in either situation. Conducts weekly individualized and groups meetings especially for those clients who have been and are waiting for move-in dates. Checking in with CMs making sure clients are saving and are taking meds if applicable. Visits housing providers’ facilities to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with them and to get as much information as possible for the clients applying for placement. Prepare clients for housing interviews, conducting mock interview sessions, accompanying them on tours of facilities, and in general coordinate and facilitate the referral processes. Coordinates escorts services for groups of clients going for housing placement interviews. Review and update the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews and selections or denials. Performs special follow-up on any denial of housing applications submitted to housing providers. Complete monthly Statistics for PEQA as well as Director. Works collaboratively with Case Managers and the Entitlements Specialist on housing options for clients and having the documented financial resources for submitting the applications to the housing provider. Maintains and provides information and reports on housing milestones, housing placements and attends weekly meeting on these issues. Attends and participates in the weekly Performance for Permanency (P4P) case management conferences. Conduct quarterly housing fairs by teaming up with other shelters. QualificationsAll candidates must have some experience working with individuals or individual who have been homeless in terms of assisting them in finding housing. Must have a High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years’ experience or BA degree from an accredited college. A working knowledge of low-income housing in New York City as well as special needs housing, including supportive housing, SROs, including will to learn about the various housing subsidies. The ability to work independently and to initiate corrective action plans to assist client in finding permanent housing. Must have knowledge of computer software and be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel. Project Renewal is an equal opportunity employer. Its long-standing policy has been to embrace the equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, gender (see separately issued Gender Discrimination policy for more detail), physical or mental disability, age (18 and over), military status, arrest record, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, unemployment status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.