Housing Specialist Jobs

ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
The Housing Specialist will contribute to solving homelessness by providing supportive case management and securing permanent housing placement opportunities for chronic street homeless individuals. The Housing Specialist will work closely with clients, members of the Connect to Care (C2C) Partnership team and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing. The Housing Specialist is responsible for coordinating and expediting the housing placement process. In coordination with the Assistant Program Directors and case management team, the Housing Specialist will identify appropriate and available housing opportunities based on the specific client’s needs and help to secure the most suitable option. Must be able to quickly master a range of housing options and assist with housing applications, mock interviews, and client advocacy.
This position has a 35-hour work week.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Communicate with team members through progress notes, staff meetings, and weekly clinical supervision
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Assist with client move-ins
• Help prepare and review HRA 2010e and other appropriate housing applications
• Coordinate and develop knowledge of alternative housing opportunities including scatter site, market rate apartments, nursing home, and mental health housing
• Liaise with other service providers on behalf of clients
• Maintain records on interview results and housing placements and make recommendations for process improvement
• Engage chronically street homeless individuals around housing needs
• Prepare clients for the housing process; tasks include but are not limited to mock interviews with clients, escort clients to housing interviews, communicate with housing providers on specific client issues

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse /dual diagnosis preferred
• Experience with HRA 2010e, AWARDS /Foothold and CARES preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Two years’ experience, preferably in a non-profit or real estate environment, knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs preferred
• Substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions, preferred
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced, dynamic team environment and willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities with diverse populations
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Valid NY driver’s license with a driving record in good standing. Maintaining a good driving record (as defined by the organization) is a condition of employment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills

Consistent with NYC’s mandate, all Breaking Ground employees, interns, volunteers and subcontractors are required to be in receipt of an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccination and provide a one-time verification of immunization as a condition of employment. Individuals that have a medical consideration or sincerely held religious beliefs or practices that could prevent them from complying with the Vaccine Mandate may request a reasonable accommodation.
Compensation: $25.85 - $25.85 / Per Hour
Compensation: $47,047.00 - $47,047.00 / Per Annum
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled