HOUSING COUNSELOR - Central Islip, NY

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for providing housing stabilization and tenancy sustaining services to eligible Medicaid members. The Housing Specialist will assess members' housing needs, provide housing-focused case management, assist members in maintaining safe and stable housing, and coordinate access to Enhanced Housing Services, including Tenancy Sustaining Services, Rent Assistance, and Utility Assistance.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITES:

• Accept, track, and manage referrals for Tenancy Sustaining Services.
• Verify member eligibility and Social Care Coverage and complete required intake procedures.
• Conduct the Housing Intake and Stabilization Assessment to identify housing needs, potential obstacles, financial hardship, and appropriate services.
• Collect and review all required housing and financial documentation, including lease agreements, proof of household income, rent payment history, documentation of rent arrears, utility account documentation, and financial hardship verification. Calculate and verify household income as required to determine eligibility for applicable housing assistance.
• Provide housing-focused case management and tenancy sustaining services, including tenant education, eviction prevention, lease renewal assistance, dispute resolution, and connection to legal and community resources.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, utility companies, community organizations, and other service providers to address member housing needs.
• Conduct housing habitability inspections, as required, and ensure applicable housing quality standards are met.
• Maintain at least monthly contact with each active member to monitor progress toward housing stabilization and identify additional needs or resources.
• Accurately document/upload member assessments, interactions, services, referrals, financial assistance, supporting documents and housing outcomes in Unite Us.
• Ensure services and documentation comply with HEALI authorization, service-unit, billing, and program requirements.
• Maintain member confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, EOC policies and procedures, HEALI requirements, and applicable federal and New York State regulations.
• Attend/participate in relevant trainings, in-services, meetings, and professional development opportunities as required by EOC, HEALI, and program guidelines to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills. 
• Participate in case reviews, quality improvement activities, program monitoring, and performance reviews as required.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned by EOC.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong case management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of housing systems, rental assistance programs, eviction prevention resources, public benefits, and community resources.
• Ability to communicate professionally with members, landlords, community providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations and individuals from varying cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, and community backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain an active caseload of approximately 40 members, prioritize urgent needs, and meet documentation and service deadlines.
• Strong written communication, documentation, mathematical, and computer skills, including the ability to review financial documentation and calculate household income.
• Ability to utilize electronic case management and referral systems, including Unite Us.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, member-centered services.
• Have ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• HUD NSPIRE certification or must obtain HUD NSPIRE certification within 60 days of hire and maintain certification throughout employment as required by the program.
• Required valid New York driver's license and insured vehicle.
• Completion of required PPD screening prior to start of employment.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in case management, housing services, benefits assistance, social services, or a related human services field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking preferred.

 Note: This is a temporary position with the potential to become permanent, contingent upon continued waiver approval. 

•  A Valid Driver's License and Insured Vehicle.
• PPD (TB test required with proof of results; no more than 1 year old)