What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Retention Specialist position at Lifting Up Westchester?
Summary
The Housing Retention Specialist has the important role of assisting men and women living in shelters to find housing they can afford in Westchester County and to work with them to reduce the likelihood of returning to shelters. The Specialist assesses an individual's budget and coaches on the importance of living within their means, locates housing based on income, and assists with documentation to secure housing. An important role is to identify housing opportunities and develop relationships with landlords. Once housed, the Housing Retention Specialist provides ongoing support by working with clients on short- and long-term goals and improving life skills. This includes identifying barriers that threaten self-sufficiency and promoting solutions to maintain independence (i.e. employment, access to medical and mental health services, landlord relations, and life skills). The Specialist makes referrals as needed and supports each client up to one year, after being housed, depending on need.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Identifying Housing Opportunities and Managing Landlord Relationships
- Identify housing opportunities and develop relationships with landlords throughout Westchester County.
- Track apartment resources and landlord contact information.
- Assisting Clients in Finding and Successfully Transitioning into Housing
- Screen clients referred by shelter case managers.
- Examine the client's income and expenses so housing options best suit the client's current budget.
- Develop pre- and post-housing plans with clients.
- Assist with completing all paperwork for referred housing & support client throughout the process.
- Coordinate with landlords on rental amounts, lease length, & rules connected to the housing rental.
- Advocate for the client to create a path for the client's ongoing stability and independence.
- Coordinate and assist with move-in and set up of the new living arrangement.
- Make referrals to other agencies and services needed to stabilize housing and overall well-being.
- Support each housed client for six months to one year.
- Create and maintain a file for each client enrolled in the housing retention program.
- Enter case notes and services provided in the LUW database weekly.
- Maintain a caseload of approximately 20 clients at a time.
QUALIFICATIONS :
Application Question(s) :
Education :
Experience :
Work Location : In person
The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not considered as an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or nonessential requirements.
Background Report Required.