Job Information
Safe Horizon Housing Specialist - Domestic Violence Shelter, Oasis in Queens, New York
Pay or shift range: $23.63 USD to $25.15 USD
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
Description
The Housing Specialist position provides assistance, information, and support to residents in domestic violence shelters around securing safe, appropriate housing using subsidies and/or other available resources in the city that suit the individual’s needs and to maintain residential stability. Working in conjunction with the case management staff, under the supervision of the Supervising Social Worker, the Housing Specialist is responsible for developing the best possible safe housing plan together with each resident in the program. The housing specialist must also be aware of and understand current housing subsidies, public benefit programs, and develop resources to include establishing relationships with landlords and brokers.
Summary:
The Safe Horizon DV Shelter Program provides safe and confidential spaces for DV Survivors and their children. We are committed to providing these services with empathy, compassion, professionalism, non-judgement, and respect. Our spaces respect survivors’ right to self-determination and focus on giving families and individuals the space, both emotional and physical, to heal from the victimization and trauma they have experienced.
The Housing Specialist position provides assistance, information, and support to residents in domestic violence shelters around securing safe, appropriate housing using subsidies and/or other available resources in the city that suit the individual’s needs and to maintain residential stability. Working in conjunction with the case management staff, under the supervision of the Supervising Social Worker, the Housing Specialist is responsible for developing the best possible safe housing plan together with each resident in the program. The housing specialist must also be aware of and understand current housing subsidies, public benefit programs, and develop resources to include establishing relationships with landlords and brokers.
Responsibilities:
The Housing Specialist is responsible for the following:
Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
Assess each client’s housing needs within 2 weeks of admission
Assist in determination of resident’s eligibility for government-financed housing programs and benefit programs
Identify, obtain, and assist documents needed for applications for permanent housing
Assess each client’s job readiness and educational histories and goals, within 3 weeks of admission
Make referrals and linkages for the client to job readiness and educational resources as appropriate
Assist in the escorting of residents to services and activities outside of the facility, such as other agencies, income maintenance center, and housing referrals entities
Identify and maintain resources of key information and individuals in various agencies (HRA, NYCHA, HPD) to facilitate the most current and accurate permanent housing application processes
Develops and maintains a database of available housing resources as well as other relevant community resources (i.e., banks, utility company contacts, grocery stores, pharmacies, transportation, etc.)
Interfaces with landlord and management companies to establish working relationships
Prepare (and if deemed appropriate escort) resident for permanent housing interviews.
Assist resident to develop daily living skills by delivering activity of daily living training in areas such as budgeting, accessing community resources, home repairs, and landlord/tenant rights.
Assist the Case Management teams by helping with creation of an initial and on-going plans; learning more about resources; and making recommendations around coordination of public benefits and employment for residents as they pertain to securing housing
Qualifications:
High school equivalency or high school diploma plus relevant training and experience in human services or related field, including some experience working with victims of crime and/or housing services
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required
If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Technology Statement:
Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.
Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf)
Hiring Range: $23.63 - $25.15 Hourly Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center
Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center
Qualifications
Skills
Preferred
Active Listening: Expert
Communication: Expert
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.