Job DetailsJob LocationNew York, NYPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelBA/BSSalary Range$45,000.00 - $45,000.00 Salary/yearJob ShiftMonday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PMDescriptionThe Bridge's mission is to change lives, by offering help, hope, and opportunity to the most vulnerable in our community. We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based rehabilitative services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing, vocational training and job placement, healthcare, education, and creative arts therapies.The HLPS Housing Specialist is part of a human service team that develops and executes housing plans, placement, and follow-up for referred clients. The HLPS Housing Specialist is responsible for collaborating with case managers and clients and the HLPS Housing Acquisitions Director to identify and secure permanent housing.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Establish linkages and maintain solid working relationships with supportive housing providers, real estate brokers, managing agents, and landlords to identify new housing opportunities for clients.
- Maintain and update a database of available housing options with relevant details and document status changes/findings/activities and provide updates on new and total inventory on a weekly or more basis. Maintain consistent, transparent communication and sharing of relevant information with HLPS program partners.
- Ensure uniformity in maintaining fair housing standards in securing apartments.
- Confirm landlord and management company compliance in meeting the established housing laws, building codes, and lease agreements.
- Inform case management staff of unit readiness and/or problems with clients maintaining units.
- Work with case managers to identify and problem-solve barriers to permanent housing and assist with preparing clients for the housing process.
- Work with case management staff to resolve crises or conflicts with building owners, landlords, and management.
- Provide accurate, complete, and timely data entry and other documentation of findings, apartment unit status, inspections, readiness, and as needed, interactions and assessments with clients.
- Attend staff meetings, case conferences, group supervision, and professional development activities such as in-service training, seminars, webinars, and conferences as needed. Collaborate with other consortium partners as necessary.
- Support an environment that embeds diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
- Participate in a workplace culture that inspires high-level performance, collaboration, accountability, and professional and respectful interaction.
- Employ best practices for effective feedback and communication at all levels of staff engagement.
- Perform all job-related tasks as required.
QualificationsRequired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Work experience should include, but is not limited to, NYC voucher programs, housing subsidies, supportive housing programs, and negotiating lease agreements with landlords and/or realtor management companies providing housing for special needs populations.
- Knowledge of applicable state and city housing and disability laws and codes is essential.
- Computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Prior experience using HOME, CARES, CAPS, Housing Connect, etc. databases.
- Willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs and make multiple visits in the community as needed. Sporadic evening or weekend hours may be required.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality and data-driven reporting as applicable.
- Excellent public-facing customer service skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to housing availability search.
- Bilingual highly desired
The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer