Housing Specialist, Residential Services

Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

Position Overview

The Housing Specialist will help clients identify permanent housing options, assist them throughout the housing search process, and provide information, advocacy and referrals as needed in order to facilitate clients’ safety and financial stability. The ideal candidate will know how to navigate different housing options in NYC including low income, supportive housing, NYCHA and private housing, as well as have a solid understanding of public benefits. Other desirable skills include Spanish fluency, organizational skills, and the ability to be proactive and results-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Complete economic assessments to ascertain shelter residents’ financial status and needs;
• Evaluate and identify permanent housing options for a caseload of 25-30 Tier 2 shelter residents;
• Assess clients’ housing options including city voucher programs, NYCHA, supportive housing, low income and private apartments;
• Assist clients in their housing search including qualifying for programs, completing applications, and identifying apartments;
• Spend two days per month visiting brokers and landlords in order to foster effective working relationships;
• Hold a monthly Housing Roundtable for clients to address housing related issues; Facilitate a monthly meeting with DV Claro to assist clients with credit related issues;
• Accompany and advocate for clients at external appointments as needed;
• Liaise with city and other service providers around housing and economic stability policies and advocate for policy reforms as needed;
• Represent SFF at external meetings with city and other service providers as well as coalitions;
• Manage client length of stay and extensions through SORTS to report to HRA;
• Make appropriate outside referrals for financial stability;
• Complete reports summarizing the work completed with clients each month;
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in housing and/or benefits counseling;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong analytical thinking skills;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, with a focus on Outlook, Word, and data entry into Excel;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks at once;
• Fluency in both English and Spanish preferred;
• Understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Commitment to the mission of Sanctuary for Families;
• Commitment to utilizing a trauma-informed lens with clients
  
  

Budgeted Salary: $28.93/hr-$31.95/hr ($52,650.00- $58,158.00 annually); based on experience pursuant to wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time, Hourly/Non-Exempt

Work schedule is currently hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
• Generous Leave Policy
• Flexible spending account / Health savings account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program
• Wellness program and rewards
  
  

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws. Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ , and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues. In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.