Location(s): All of Our Sites - 5 Boroughs
PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:
Assist homeless families with relocation into permanent housing. Identify, research, and disseminate information on, and making use of, housing resources; and facilitate a smooth transition for families who are relocated.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) complete families intake assessment, service plan/independent living plan, housing, next step conferences/transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.
2. Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES), review accessible information from Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc.
3. Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) ensure that all information is updated in system in a timely fashion as required by DHS.
4. Initiate, develop and maintain relationships with housing resources and advocacy groups such as NYCHA, HPD, Section 8, Supportive Housing and other organizations to share information on current and future housing resources and to assure that clients transition to permanent housing and reduce the length of time families are homeless.
5. In collaboration with Relocation Support Program staff, coordinate and conduct Housing Empowerment Workshops to empower residents in their search for permanent housing and to provide information on housing.
6. Monitor the submission and processing of clients’ housing applications to ensure clients’ timely access to all appropriate housing options.
7. Research housing resources to increase clients’ housing options. Assess clients’ housing history and other relevant factors in order to assist caseworkers in the development of individual service plans.
8. Ensure the timely collection, preparation and analysis of re-housing information to generate routine and as-needed reports, to evaluate program performance and to facilitate short and long-term planning for both individual clients and for re-housing services.
9. Guide and prepare clients for interviews with landlords, building managers and tenant groups to ensure that they are able to represent their interests in the search for permanent housing. Assist clients in viewing and inspecting available housing, both public and private, to ensure they are relocated to appropriate and code-compliant housing.
10. Advocate for and assist clients to obtain rent monies, leases and furniture grants, link with Lend-A-Hand, and to monitor apartment repairs in process in order to expedite clients’ move to permanent housing.
11. Facilitate additional groups, as designated, to address family issues, enhance life skills, and assist families in achieving self-sufficiency and a successful transition to permanent housing.
12. Perform other duties and special projects as required including serving on-call for a one-week period each quarter.
13. Assist in transferring clients in and out of the program, when required.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Facilitate effective communication with other staff within an interdisciplinary context, participate in and contribute to staff meetings and the development of policies and procedures.
2. Participate in training and staff-development activities to acquire and maintain both interpersonal and operational skills necessary for successful job performance.
PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Regular contact with staff and volunteers working within Department to provide and obtain information.
Frequent contacts with outside agencies including government agencies and housing resource and advocacy groups to facilitate the process of clients securing permanent housing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: One year of college required.
Experience: A minimum of one-year experience related to housing for homeless or low-income populations required. Experience in-group facilitation, housing advocacy, working with the homeless population and casework is preferred.
Related Skills: Knowledge of housing issues is essential. Knowledge of building codes, tenant and landlord laws are desirable . Strong written and oral communication skills. Effective interpersonal skills to interact with clients, external partners, agencies and others to assure clients’ housing needs are met. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Knowledge of office systems including databases; MS-Office preferred.
Other Requirements (including Physical Demands)
Travel within New York City required.
Positions are located at all of our Sites in the 5 Boroughs