Economic Empowerment Specialist - Supportive Housing

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City, URI provides safe housing for nearly 4,000 individuals and their pets every night and serves more than 40,000 people annually. 

URI’s work is grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiatives—including economic empowerment, legal education and advocacy, prevention and youth programming, and abusive partner intervention—designed to break cycles of violence, instability, and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing, advancing long-term pathways to safety, healing, and stability for families and communities.

Innovative Urban Village, opening in Summer 2026, is Urban Resource Institute’s first Supportive Housing program in partnership with Christian Cultural Center and is a comprehensive redevelopment project located in East New York, Brooklyn. Phase 1A includes 376 income-based rental residences, of which 94 units are dedicated to families who have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic violence and who qualify for Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) services. The program provides permanent supportive housing and trauma-informed, culturally competent services designed to promote long-term housing stability and independent living. As URI’s first Supportive Housing program, Innovative Urban Village represents a foundational expansion of the agency’s housing continuum, requiring the development of a comprehensive program model, policies, procedures, and service framework from inception through full implementation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Economic Empowerment Specialist supports residents in achieving long term financial stability, increased income, and economic independence. The Specialist provides individualized coaching, employment readiness services, financial literacy education, and benefits navigation to help residents build sustainable pathways toward self-sufficiency.

This role requires strong knowledge of workforce development systems, financial coaching principles, and the unique economic challenges faced by families impacted by domestic violence. The Specialist collaborates closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and the Director of Clinical Services to ensure integrated, high quality service delivery aligned with ESSHI and OTDA standards.

Salary: $49,000 - $55,000

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Employment & Career Development

• Conduct employment and vocational assessments to identify strengths, barriers, and career goals.


• Provide individualized job readiness coaching, including resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies.


• Facilitate employmentfocused workshops and skillbuilding groups.


• Support residents in accessing workforce programs (SBS, HRA, DYCD, CUNY, WIOA programs, etc.).


• Build and maintain relationships with employers, training programs, and workforce partners to create employment pipelines. 

Financial Literacy & Economic Stability

• Conduct financial assessments and develop individualized financial plans.


• Provide coaching on budgeting, banking, credit building, debt reduction, and longterm financial planning.


• Facilitate financial literacy workshops and group sessions.


• Support residents in accessing financial resources such as tax credits, banking services, and credit repair programs.


• Assist residents in navigating public benefits including SNAP, Medicaid, childcare subsidies, and cash assistance.

Housing Stability & Income Support

• Collaborate with Case Managers and Housing Specialists to ensure income stability supports housing retention.


• Assist residents with income documentation required for recertifications, subsidies, and rent calculations.


• Identify early signs of income instability and intervene to prevent arrears or tenancy risk.


• Support residents in developing longterm economic plans that align with housing stability goals.

ESSHI, OTDA & Supportive Housing Compliance

• Ensure all services align with ESSHI service categories related to employment, education, and benefits access.


• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in CAPS, HMIS, and other required data systems.


• Track employment outcomes, income changes, and financial milestones for reporting and quality assurance.


• Participate in audits, case reviews, and program evaluations.

Resource Navigation & Community Linkages

• Connect residents to communitybased services including vocational training, GED/HSE programs, ESL classes, childcare, and legal services.


• Provide warm handoffs and followup to ensure continuity of care.


• Maintain updated knowledge of workforce trends, training opportunities, and financial resources.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and service coordination meetings.


• Collaborate with Case Managers to integrate economic goals into service plans.


• Work closely with the Housing Specialist to support incomerelated tenancy needs.


• Communicate regularly with the Director of Clinical Services regarding residents with complex needs. 

Training & Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training on trauma informed care, DV best practices, financial coaching, and supportive housing standards.


• Engage in reflective supervision and contribute to a culture of learning and accountability.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, business, education, or related field required.


• Certifications in financial coaching, workforce development, or career counseling preferred but not required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in employment services, financial coaching, economic empowerment, or related fields.


• Knowledge of workforce development systems, financial literacy principles, and public benefits.


• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and families with complex needs.


• Strong facilitation skills for groups and workshops.


• Ability to support residents with varying levels of education, employment history, and financial literacy.


• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.


• Will be required to use computer mouse and keyboard.


• Will be required to read information on computer screen.


• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.


• Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.


• Must be able to lift 10 pounds at times, occasionally reach and bend.


• May require occasional work outside established working hours, including evenings and weekends.

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.