Housing Specialist

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.

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.

• 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.
• Participate as member of interdisciplinary team in determining clients’ immediate
  needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to stabilize housing and increase
  independent functioning
• Conduct regular meetings with clients (at least biweekly) to review housing options, exit
  strategies
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and landlords in an effort to secure a
  pool of available apartments of all sizes and rent levels to be offered to housing-ready
  families
• Facilitate clients ability to view at least three apartments each week. Assist clients to secure and complete applications for permanent housing and collect the necessary documents for affordable and subsidized housing.
• Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities and maintain a
  database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management
  companies.
• 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 relationships with government partners, and supportive
  community-based organizations.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences and meetings with prospective brokers
  and landlords.
• Prepare weekly housing status and other DHS required reports as directed
• Work with clients to identify ways in which to resolve adverse credit reports
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, case conferences and training seminars
  conducted to enhance one’s skills
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor

• 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 homelessness
  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.
• Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting
• Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to write and record case
  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.
• 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