MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or Human Services required.
• A minimum of 4-year experience related to housing for homeless or low-income populations required, including two years in a family services/singles setting and two to four years’ experience with high-risk families/singles and housing services.
• Experience in-group facilitation, housing advocacy, working with the homeless population preferred.
• Knowledge of housing issues is essential.
• Knowledge of tenant and landlord laws is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Skilled in supervising the work of others and instilling professional work methods and practices.
• Effective ability to interact with clients, external partners, agencies, and others to assure clients’ housing needs are met.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• High level of computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new technologies and databases.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (INCLUDING PHYSICAL DEMANDS):

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travelling throughout various locations in the New York City area.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  EEO Statement – Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

Assist in guidance of housing relocation specialists in assisting 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 relocating to permanent housing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Social Service Supervisor in the supervision of the Housing Specialists.
• Assist in the orientation and training of housing staff.
• Provide guidance to housing relocation specialists, when needed. Assist housing staff through individual and group meetings and daily consultation to ensure effective service provision on both an individual and a team level.
• Intervene or direct staff intervention in appropriate situations to resolve client and housing related problems effectively and efficiently.
• Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) to review housing records and reports to ensure the appropriate recording of data and responses which maintain the integrity of the program, meet regulatory requirements, and demonstrate effective provision of services and utilization of agency resources.
• 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, when needed.
• Keep social service team abreast of information on current and future housing resources to assure that both Case Managers and Housing Relocation Specialists are aware of any new changes.
• Track and monitor housing applications, packages, facility housing reports and housing placement for all families.
• Serve as the facility administrator for the HRA – Pact system and monitor the completion, submission, and certification of 2010e applications for supported housing.
• Develop and maintain relationships with housing providers and the Veterans Administration to cultivate housing leads and resources to assist housing staff with permanent housing placements.
• Work with interdisciplinary team to develop and facilitate Independent living workshops identifying and addressing barriers to housing search and securing permanent housing.
• Serve as a liaison between shelter, DHS and landlords regarding move-in schedules, leases, rent and utility issues.
• Advocate for and assist housing relocation specialist to complete A & A and FLEET move-out request.
• Assume case load duties, with special cases during housing specialist vacancies, when required.
• Closely monitor open/closed Public Assistance cases on a weekly basis.
• Closely monitor certified and high-income families.
• Closely monitor all apartments viewed/visited by clients weekly.
• Track and monitor housing applications, packages, facility housing reports and housing placement for all families.
• Work towards the achievement of DHS weekly, monthly, and quarterly target goals of moving families into permanent housing in conjunction with social services department.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate effective communication with other staff within an interdisciplinary context, participate in and contribute to staff meetings.
• Participate in training and staff-development activities to acquire and maintain both interpersonal and operational skills necessary for successful job performance.
• Immediately report serious incidents, allegations of abuse, incidents, or sensitive situations and completes incident.
• May have on-call responsibilities.
• Comply and promote compliance with all agency policies helping to strengthen and maintain an ethical organizational culture.