Housing Specialist - Homeless Families

Organization overview

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.

Position overview

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.

Salary: $39,000

• Major duties and responsibilities
• 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.