What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist - Homeless Families - NYC position at Urban Resource Institute?
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in
URI's homeless shelters. The Housing Specialist assists clients as they transition from shelter to
permanent housing. He / she is responsible for identifying permanent housing options,
developing and maintaining a database of housing resources, conducting individual sessions
and support groups around housing issues, and providing referrals, advocacy, follow-up, and
assistance with housing applications. The Housing Specialist also develops partnerships with
government and community agencies to help increase clients' access to meaningful housing.
Salary : $42,000 - $46,000
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess clients' housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe,
affordable housing.
and benefit programs.
needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase
independent functioning
strategies
pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready
families
database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management
companies.
available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other
best practices).
community-based organizations.
and landlords.
conducted to enhance one's skills
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
development / management, real estate or case management.
within disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, and / or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with
substance abuse and / or mental health issues.
documentation, skills in group counseling, working knowledge of family issues,
sensitivity to the needs of homeless families, have a demonstrated ability to advocate
and provide follow-up around housing issues, and able to conduct housing specific
workshops.
and private housing agencies as well as the ability to secure permanent housing for
homeless population.
Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Salary : $42,000 - $46,000
