Housing Specialist (Queens)

ABOUT US

HSNY was founded more than 20 years ago on a simple belief: every New Yorker deserves dignity,

safety, and a place to call home. What began as a small effort to support neighbors in crisis has grown

into a citywide nonprofit providing housing stability and supportive services across all five boroughs.

YOUR PURPOSE IN CREATING SOLUTIONS

Assists clients in obtaining and securing permanent housing through intense advocacy. Coordinates all

necessary services including utility hook-up and moving arrangements.

HOW YOU’LL DRIVE SOLUTIONS

• Screens clients for admission to program and provides orientation to clients describing services.

Initiates input into the development of a client-service plan and setting goals for independent

living and securing housing.

• Advocates on behalf of clients to obtain permanent housing; coordinates all necessary services

including utility connections and moving arrangements.

• Supervises client’s participation in the program services and documents all services provided for

the client files as requested by supervisor.

• Provides supportive counseling to the client through crisis intervention; individual counseling;

group support and case management. Shares observations and assessments of individual clients

with appropriate affiliate professionals. Documents services provided for client files as requested

by supervisor.

• Maintains contact with outside agencies to refer or obtain additional client services. Escorts

clients to referred programs and apartment viewings.

• Attends appropriate interdepartmental and cross-functional meetings to increase awareness of

services as needed.

• Prepares reports to document the professional work process.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on all housing provisions and vouchers.
• Performs other duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS BEHIND THE SOLUTIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, public administration, counseling, or its equivalent

preferred, with at least 2 years of experience as a Housing Specialist.

• OR five years of directly related work experience in a Human Service Agency or shelter system is

required. Non-profit experience is strongly preferred, with an understanding of the homelessness

environment. Knowledge of the DHS/CARES database is helpful.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES

• Good organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated

customer service orientation. Ability to advocate with strong negotiating skills. Comprehensive

knowledge in one or more of the following is required: DHS/HRA housing vouchers,

supplements and other potential entitlements, criminal justice system, public housing, and social

services. Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Computer literate.

OUR SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR YOU:

• Medical. Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life & AD&D Insurance: HSNY pays 100% of the cost.
• 23 days of PTO your first year (accrual-based)
• 11 paid holidays every year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Save pre-tax dollars for healthcare and dependent care needs.
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Employee Referral Program
• Professional Development
• 403b Plan & 403b Employer Match: Immediate Vesting
• Dollar-for-dollar match up to 3%
• 4% match when you contribute 5%
• Biannual retention bonus (can be a 3% contribution into your account)
• Pet Insurance