Housing Specialist

Program Description: The Baxter Safe Haven provides transitional housing to 75 adults experiencing homelessness with the goal of permanent housing. On-site services include case management, entitlement assistance, medical and psychiatric care, substance use counseling, group activities, meals, recreation, and 24 hour/7 day per week front desk security.

Purpose of Position: Part of an interdisciplinary team working to secure permanent stable housing for homeless adults collaborating with Homeless Outreach Teams

Schedule: Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday - Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm or 10:00am to 6:00pm

Role, Responsibilities & Essential Duties

• Conduct housing eligibility assessments of all clients.
• Complete housing application packages.
• Coach clients going on housing interviews.
• Develop linkages with supportive housing programs, NYCHA, real estate companies, low income affordable housing landlords etc.
• Maintain and update listings of permanent affordable housing.
• Work collaboratively with Outreach teams to secure permanent stable housing.
• Develop and facilitate client workshops and individual sessions on skills and information necessary to acquire and maintain independent permanent housing.
• Track placements and conduct follow up of clients placed into permanent housing.
• Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency through assistance with housing and income.
• Meet with clients to establish goals, action steps towards those goals, monitor and assess progress.
• Develop and maintain appropriate records, statistics and documentation of services to the clients.
• Advocate with clients when they have barriers to overcome in meeting their goals.
• Identify client barriers to activities of daily living.
• Negotiate with landlords and other service providers to ensure stable housing
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with a diverse population with a wide array of needs and backgrounds.
• Respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations.
• Attend staff meetings and actively participate in supervision with supervisor.
• Ability to work flexible schedule if needed

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Associate’s Degree Required, Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• Experience working with homeless adults and processing housing packages required
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders preferred
• Prior transitional, outreach, or supportive housing experience required
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to engage a varied population
• Excellent communication skills
• Organized with strong follow up and attention to detail
• Team player

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel
• Able to use or learn computer databases such as AWARDS, CARES. MoCAPP
• Able to learn Coordinated Assessment Placement System

Physical Requirements

• Some walking
• Move around residence
• Escort clients on interviews in community as needed

Work Environment

• Indoor office environment
• Some escorts in community
• Some visits to clients in dorms