Housing Specialist

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Status: Full-Time

Salary: $21.00/hour and up, depending on experience

Reports to: Executive Director

FPWNY is a small-scale emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in our community. We only serve six (6) families at a time to be able to provide wrap-around support. The Housing Specialist assists the families in our shelter with quickly securing safe, affordable and appropriate housing in the community. A successful candidate will be outgoing and able to engage the community in a hands-on way, will have a working knowledge of different low-income housing opportunities, will be able to build strong relationships with both the families in our shelter and with potential landlords and will be solution-focused. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record and access to a vehicle for this position.

Duties

• Supports homeless families with every step of finding an apartment, including:
• Identifying available apartments within a family’s budget
• Filling out and submitting applications
• Contacting landlords and property managers
• Scheduling and viewing potential rental units
• Completing an initial inspection on potential rental units, assessing their ability to meet safety requirements and HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
• Negotiating with landlords to secure a valid landlord statement
• Builds relationships with reputable landlords and property management companies, for the purpose of building and maintaining a network of available housing resources for clients
• Educates families on tenant rights and responsibilities
• Assists families with the move-out process, including turning on utilities, forwarding mail, negotiating storage, securing appliances and identifying resources to help a family furnish their new apartment
• Is active with the family on move-in day, helping transport the family and their belongings to their new home in the company vans.
• Conducts a series of home visits with successfully housed families to assess stability and continue to offer support, provide linkages and referrals for families and advocate on behalf of graduated families with landlords as needed
• Documents client engagement in our Charity Tracker case management software to support reporting requirements
• Prepares a monthly report to the FPWNY Board of Trustees
• Completes all required trainings and attend necessary additional trainings, supervision and team meetings

Skills and other Qualifications

• Must have at least an Associates Degree with 3 years of experience working with at-risk populations, preferably in the housing services industry
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong problem solving skills from a solutions-focused approach
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with the ability to work in the field
• Good ethical decisions, including displaying behavior appropriate to a mentor who works in close contact with children
• Demonstrated knowledge of advocating for community resources
• Background checks required
• Ability to lift 25 lbs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Must have access to a reliable personal vehicle.

Agency Expectations

• Complies with agency standards of conduct and professionalism
• Demonstrates knowledge of the program, mission and services of FPWNY
• Complies with all policies and procedures in Employee Handbooks
• Is able to work in an alcohol and drug free environment
• Ability to demonstrate self-care

Hours:

• 32-40 hours/week, afternoon-evening shifts, flexible hours

FPWNY offers full-time employees the following benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - 20 days to start, 25 days after 2 years)
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• Employer sponsored health insurance plan option with additional options for dental and vision
• Other benefits available through our PEO

To Apply: Please visit our website at

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a reliable personal vehicle?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• human services: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Buffalo, NY 14204: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21