What are the responsibilities and job description for the HOUSING SPECIALIST position at Family Service League Inc.?
Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency who provides comprehensive services to individuals, children, and families to improve the quality of their lives at home, in the workplace, and in the community. With more than 60 social service and mental health programs in over 20 locations, Family Service League is committed to serving Long Island’s most vulnerable citizens.
SUMMARY
Family Service League is seeking a full-time Housing Specialist who will report to the Program Director and is responsible for assisting homeless families in obtaining permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will develop relationships with landlords and brokers, inspect apartments, accompany clients to apartment viewings, and collaborate with government agencies to link apartments and utilize rental subsidy programs.
We offer a generous benefits package including the following:
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Generous PTO (paid time off)
- Up to 11 paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
- Student Tuition Remission Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Discounts and more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct comprehensive intakes of all clients.
- Develop individualized housing plan for each client.
- Locate appropriate housing for households who are homeless.
- Document all contact with and on behalf of the program participants.
- Ensure timely completion of housing inspections.
- Arrange forums with outside providers to provide information on topics related to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
- Provide additional information/instruction on the skills required to secure and maintain permanent housing to program participants.
- Assist participants in the completion of all housing applications and ensure the applications are submitted to housing programs in a timely manner.
- Develop new housing resources.
- Escort participants to view apartments and other appointments as needed.
- Assist participants in moving into permanent housing e.g. attends lease signing, ensures utilities are turned on, and coordinates transportation and moving.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, department meetings, weekly individual supervisory sessions, and staff training.
- Document and maintain up to date records on services provided.
- All other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 3-5 years working with the homeless population preferred.
Prior experience in case management, housing resources, assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention preferred.
Familiarity with affordable housing.
Experience providing housing placement assistance services.
Familiarity with Fair Housing regulations.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Understanding housing developments, the public and private real estate industry, Public Housing Authorities, as well as state, federal, and local housing programs/rental assistance programs.
Possess knowledge of available housing resources and apartment search techniques.
Proficient computer skills, including MS Office required. HMIS experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
Bilingual Spanish preferred.
Valid and clean NYS Driver's License required.
"Family Service League is committed to the belief that all individuals deserve uncompromising respect. Through our recruitment efforts, we continually strive to attain and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that meets the needs of our clients and reflects the communities we serve. Family Service League strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for any positions for which they feel potentially qualified."
