Overview

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 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
  • The Queens Oasis Housing Specialist work schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM (late nights Monday and Wednesday 11 PM-7 PM). 

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.

New Requirement:

Effective October 29, 2021, as a private contractor of The City of New York all Safe Horizon employees, interns and volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons.

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: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

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