Housing Specialist

Company: Vocational Instruction Project Community Services
Location: Bronx
Posted on: February 23, 2021

Job Description:

Description:
POSITION TITLE: Housing SpecialistPOSITION REPORTS TO: Program Director POSITION SUMMARY: This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clients obtain permanent housing within acceptable timeframes, which results in the program's success in meeting its housing placement targets. Under the direction of the Asst. Director or Director, this position will establish and track the housing status of all clients and ensure that housing packages are regularly sent to the DHS Housing Placement Unit for disposition. Facilitates all aspects of housing and discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition from their residence to independent living for all clients participating in the program.POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Complete housing assessments on all new admissions in the program within 4 days of admission and prepare a discharge plan.
• Participate in case conferences and case reviews in collaboration with the case management team
• Escort clients to housing appointments for the purpose of looking at the available apartment and assessing whether the apartment or unit is suitable for the client.
• Coordinate and push through HRA 2010 E&F category applications in a timely manner and vigorously pursue all available housing options for clients.
• Provide weekly reports documenting housing status of all clients within the facility
• Assist residents by identifying appropriate subsidy programs and facilitate the application and qualification process.
• Maintain and regularly update a data bank of resources for housing referrals.
• Identify apartments, buildings and/or real estate agencies for resident referrals.
• Develop and implement workshops on independent living skills, application process and procedures, policies of NYC, Section8 (Federal), HASA, etc.
• Develop and facilitate support groups to assist the resident in adjusting to living independently.
• Participate in the follow-up and after care process treatment with the clinical team.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports and other data as required or indicated.
• Maintain appropriate documentation including summaries and notes are completed according to procedure.
• Network with NYC Division of AIDS Services, (DAS) to secure rental Assistance and Certification for DAS
• Scattered Site supportive housing.
• Maintain contact with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing and Section 8 Housing.
• Request applications and submit with letter of support for assessment and possible certification.
• Network with landlords and management to obtain affordable housing.
• Maintain communication with mental health facilities, refer clients' applications to the Office of Health and
• Mental Health Services for assessment a certification for admission to OMH Supportive Housing.
• Network with Supportive Housing Program to obtain community bed information for referral to SRO
• Supportive Housing.
• Maintain professional working relationships with all staff, clients, and visitors.
• Participate in educational sessions, retreats, agency meetings and other professional training as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director/Director or other authorized parties.A. Participate in Job Training and Education Programs, Meetings and Committees.
  • Attend mandatory in-service annually.
  • Participate in various committees and meetings as requested, including DHS Housing Placement and related meetings.
  • Attend seminars to further professional development.
  • Maintain a high level of industry knowledge and keep the Director aware of changes required/recommended in agency operations.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Associate Degree/Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution.
    • Two years experience preferably in a residential treatment program.
    • Possess knowledge and ability to implement case management principles;
    • Possess knowledge of community resources;
    • Possess effective oral and written communication skills;
    • Experience and knowledge of Windows computer systems and programs.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
    • Ability to speak, read and write a foreign language a plus.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
      • Possess knowledge and ability to do client intake requiring both assessment of client history concerning both short- and long-term needs;
      • Possess knowledge and ability to implement case management principles;--- Possess knowledge of community resources;
      • Maintain working knowledge of and adherence to all agency policies and procedures;
      • Maintain client confidentiality;
      • Participate as a team member in a rapidly changing behavioral health care setting
      • Experience and knowledge of Windows computer systems and programs.JOB SETTING:--- Must possess sight, hearing and digital senses or use prosthesis that will enable the essential functions of the job to be completed.NOTE: This description reflects management's assignment of the essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Tasks are subject to change at any time due to any reasonable but necessary conditions.COVID-19 precautionsRemote interview processPersonal protective equipment provided or requiredPlastic shield at work stationsTemperature screeningsSocial distancing guidelines in placeVirtual meetingsSanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in placePM20.
        
        Requirements:
        PI130131530

Keywords: Vocational Instruction Project Community Services , New Rochelle , Housing Specialist, Other , Bronx, New York