SUMMARY:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in Phoenix Houses of NY/LI. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from rehabilitation to permanent housing. He/she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options, developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with government and community agencies to help increase clients’ access to meaningful housing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

• Assess clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.


• Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing.


• Identify, and assist clients to obtain relevant documents needed for applications for permanent housing.


• Provide individual counseling, advocacy and support to clients.


• Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices).


• Develop and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.


• Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities.


• Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive community-based organizations.


• Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords.


• Participate in monthly staff meetings and weekly supervisions

 

COMPETENCIES (KSA’s)

• Ethical Practices


• Judgment       


• Relationship Management


• Emotional Intelligence


• Empathy


• Professional Boundaries


• Global and Cultural Awareness


• Critical Evaluation


• Problem Solving


• Decision Making


• Communication


• Teamwork


• Crisis Management


• Technical Capacity