Housing Specialist - Fort Washington Men's Shelter
/Title: Housing Specialist
Program: Fort Washington
Salary: $40,000-$46,000 per year
Program Description
The Fort Washington Men’s Shelter is 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 men who are homeless and have been diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse.
Overall Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the Clinical Director, the Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying housing options for the clients and assisting 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
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties of the Housing Specialist 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.
· 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 for clients focusing on housing placement issues.
· 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.
· 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 meetings on these issues.
· Attends and participates in the weekly Performance for Permanency (P4P) case management conferences.
Qualifications:
· All candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
· A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working with mentally ill individuals or homeless individuals in finding permanent housing.
· A knowledge of low-income housing in New York City as well as special needs housing, including the NY/NY Supportive
· Housing, Section 8 housing, and be willing to learn about all other types housing subsidies.
· The ability to work independently and to initiate corrective actions to help clients seeking permanent housing.
· Must have knowledge of case management software as well as a proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
To Apply: E-mail resume and cover letter indicating position and salary requirements to careers@projectrenewal.org
