Housing Specialist

Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive. 

 The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual.  Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming.  CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.

We are seeking a full-time Housing Specialist who will be responsible for identifying permanent housing for program participants. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for conducting a housing assessment to determine participants housing readiness and housing needs. They will provide comprehensive case management, will assist clients in the completion of applications for housing and rental subsidy programs, and provide counseling when needed. 

Direct Services 

• Provides guidance to clients and staff as it relates to housing-related issues.
• Provide systems connection to step down levels of transitional and supportive housing.
• Assists residents in seeking safe, permanent, and affordable housing.
• Coordinates with other providers as needed on client cases.
• Inspects potential housing placements to ensure they are appropriate for outgoing program participants.
• Interviews candidates to ensure income, family size, etc are suitable for placement.
• Identifies barriers to housing (i.e.: language, substance abuse, appearance, etc) and provide counseling when needed.
• Advocates on participants’ behalf to obtain and/or maintain housing subsidies (CityFHEPS, Section 8, HASA, etc).

Administrative/Documentation

• Present housing assessment tool to be utilized for understanding the individuals housing history
• Maintains updated database of available resources.
• Maintains tracking forms for placements; provides accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Document all housing engagement via Data Base

Referrals

• Develop and maintain linkages with community-based housing support service resources.
• Refer clients to appropriate housing service providers in the community. 
• Coordinates, develops, and maintains linkages with reliable landlords, brokers and realty agencies.
• Coordinate and facilitate business relationships with DHS and HUD funded housing programs. 

Other

• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field highly preferred.
• Two years of comparable housing or real estate experience
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• One year of experience working with substance use population strongly preferred.
• Knowledge or experience working with the homeless population preferred.
• Knowledge of strengths-based counseling, cognitive behavioral treatment, and behavior modification in practice
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Team-player, able to multi-task and handle challenging situations in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to work professionally and empathetically with a diverse group of clients and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a broad variety of people, including other team members and management. 
• Strong individual and group counseling skills, ability to function independently, attend to detail, and work under pressure.
• Ability and willingness to travel within NYC, occasionally with program participants.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality. 
• Competency with computer-based programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook email, Relias, and Electronic Health Records. 

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 403b Retirement Plans
• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
• Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14TH St Y Gym
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.

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