Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Specialist

Southern Tier Independence Center
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Position Title
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS)
Specialist

HR USE ONLY

Date Issued
12/2024 Hour Per Week/

Status

40 hours/week, FT

Date Revised
12/2024

Hourly Rate
$19.00

Reports to
Housing Coordinator

FSLA Status
Non-Exempt

Department
Olmstead Housing Subsidy Program
(OHS) Location

Broome

Summary
The OHS Specialist plays a critical role in supporting people who are living in institutional setting or otherwise
unstably housed or experiencing homelessness. The position encompasses a dual function of housing
specialist and independent living specialist. It assists eligible participants in finding and securing affordable
and accessible housing. The Specialist is responsible for connecting participants with critical resources,
including rental subsidies, community transition supports, and other essential services to promote stable
housing and enhance their quality of life. The OHS Specialist will work closely with discharge planners,
transition specialists and other providers to coordinate and implement a comprehensive array of supports and
services, ensuring seamless transitions to stable housing.

Education and Experience
1. Associate’s degree in a human services or social work related field; and

2. One year of experience in housing, Independent Living, community-based supports and services, long term

care, and/or disability rights; or

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of state and local housing policies, practices, laws, and issues impacting seniors and people with

disabilities preferred.

2. Knowledge of resources, supports and services available in the community for seniors and people with

disabilities.

3. Strong commitment to the independent living philosophy, Person Centered Planning, consumer choice and
integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of community life.

4. Ability to effectively interact and work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
5. Proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point).
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
7. Demonstrate professional work habits including dependability, time management, independence, and

responsibility.

8. Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities and boundaries.
9. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
10. Ability to multi-task and work effectively in both a team and individual setting.
11. Capacity to work in various settings, including home visits and community-based locations.
12. Valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle.

Essential Job Functions
1. Actively support STIC’s mission, philosophy, and values and the pursuit of community integration for all people with

disabilities.
2. Conduct intakes and determine eligibility for potential Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants who are

identified as a homeless high utilizer by a Hospital, Managed Care Organization, Medical Respite, Performing

Provider System, or Skilled Nursing Facility.
3. Assist eligible OHS Housing participants through all steps necessary for OHS program enrollment, including:

collecting and completing required program documentation, filling out housing applications, obtaining
household goods and/or support for moving expenses, arranging unit inspections, etc.

4. Assist OHS participants with identifying individualized goals and developing and implementing an

Individualized Service Plan (ISP), in collaboration with transition specialists, service coordinators (SC), Nursing

Home Discharge Planners, Care Managers (CM), natural supports, and/or advocates, as appropriate.

5. Work with participants and/or their with transition specialists, service coordinators (SC), Nursing Home
Discharge Planners, Care Managers (CM), natural supports, and/or advocates to ensure adequate supports
are in place for a successful transition to stable housing.

6. Identify landlords, public housing, and private housing in the region which may be suitable for individuals
enrolled in the OHS program in the future.

7. Maintain a registry of available housing in the region, including degree of accessibility, location, proximity to
services, and rental costs.

8. Complete all required OHS and IL paperwork and utilize the NYAIL Database to provide information about

contacts, participant needs and services provided.

9. Attend required trainings and meetings as directed by NYAIL or Supervisor.

10. Comply with all STIC policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
11. Collect and maintain all required statistical and other data and prepare reports within established

timeframes.
12. Attend all mandatory agency and departmental trainings, meetings, and sign language class and advocacy

groups.

13. Perform all other duties relevant to the position, as requested.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
1. Ability to sit/stand throughout day to accomplish job.
2. Ability to reach above shoulder level.
3. Ability to turn/twist upper body.

4. Ability to enter data, notes, and other documentation into a computer.
5. Must be able to regularly travel throughout a 12-county service area. his may also include travel to

regional- or state-level meetings or functions within NYS on occasion.

6. Occasionally work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to the extent required under applicable law to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are
not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, skills, required of personnel so classified. Also, they
do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the direction of the employer.

I have read and understand the responsibilities outlined in this job description.

Southern Tier Independence Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to hire the best
qualified applicant for the position, without regard to: gender; gender identity/expression; sexual orientation;
disability; age; race; color; creed; national origin; pre-disposing genetic characteristics; military, familial, marital
or domestic violence survivor status; pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions; criminal history; or any other
protected class included in applicable local, state or federal laws.