Housing Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Urban Resource Institute (URI), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization established in 1980, operates shelter, legal and job training programs for domestic violence victims, residential and vocational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. With a $70-80 million annual budget with over 600 staff by the end of the year, URI promotes safety, justice, health, and independence for vulnerable individuals and families residing in New York City.

The Housing Specialist is responsible for addressing the housing needs of clients residing in URI’s domestic violence 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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
• Assess clients’ housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing.
• Assess clients’ eligibility for government-financed housing programs, including subsidies, and benefit programs.
• Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing.
• Identify, and assist clients to obtain relevant documents needed for applications for permanent housing.
• Provide individual counseling, advocacy and support to clients.
• Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, mock interviews, and other best practices).
• Develop and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.
• Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government partners, and supportive community-based organizations.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers and landlords.
• Serve as a resource to the shelters’ social services department staff.
• Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees related to housing.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars conducted to enhance one’s skills
• Assist with reports and program evaluation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.
• Minimum of one year counseling experience and two years of experience in housing development/management, real estate or case management.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health issues.
• Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to write and record case documentation, skills in group counseling, working knowledge of women’s issues, sensitivity to women’s needs, have a demonstrated ability to advocate and provide follow-up around housing issues, and able to conduct housing specific workshops.
• Additionally, possess knowledge and skills necessary to develop strong linkages with city and private housing agencies as well as the ability to secure permanent housing for homeless population.
• Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Interested candidates may forward a copy of their resume to careers@urinyc.org for consideration.

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.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.