EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

BA or BS degree with at least 2 years of experience with locating and securing affordable housing in NYC, or AA degree with at least 5 years of experience.

EXPERIENCE:

· Excellent advocacy, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills required.
· In addition, the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.
· Must be computer literate of basic Microsoft Programs and have the ability to learn new applications and database systems quickly.
· Respectful and comfortable with persons from different backgrounds.
· Understanding or experience with disability-related issues.
· Multilingual preferred.
· Significant understanding of housing development, the public and private real estate industry, as well as Public Housing Authorities
· Depth knowledge of State and federal housing programs, familiarity with housing issues as they relate to persons with disabilities, and experience working with advocates and the ability to create and nurture working partnerships both internally and externally
· Ability to travel throughout NYC and Albany.

· Knowledge of federal, state, and local housing laws, policies, and practices.
· Understanding of how various housing issues impact people with disabilities.
· Identify housing opportunities for unstably housed individuals and work directly or indirectly with individuals who need services to avoid institutional placement or to transition from institutions to the community.
· Identify landlords, public housing, private housing, rental units, housing developers, and rental management companies which may be suitable for current and future consumers.
· Maintain a list of available housing in the region, including degree of accessibility, location, proximity to services, and rental costs.
· Assist in completion of applications, help prepare consumers for housing interviews, and ensure secure housing outcomes.
· Stay current on benefits and services available to consumers.
· Conduct comprehensive assessment relevant to consumer housing needs, particularly as it relates to ability to maintain and/or retain independence in the community.
· Collaborate with consumers to create plans of service and periodically review the plan for adjustments.
· Ensure all client data and service provision details are current and accurate and that
· Comply with all confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
· Complete all required paperwork for consumer files as per agency policy.
· Assist consumers in development and exercise of self-advocacy skills and independent living skill building through active involvement in the achievement of service goals.
· Act as a liaison and/or advocate with other service or benefits providers for consumers.
· Contribute as needed to the organization’s systems- based advocacy programs by communicating observed barriers/successes related to benefits and services available to people with disabilities, participate in selected advocacy activities and/or identify consumers who are representative of certain systems-based advocacy issues.
· Participate in community outreaches, presentations, and workshops, as assigned.
· Attend agency’s in- service training and unit meetings, as well as, any other agency related activities and off-site trainings.
· Perform other program-related duties as assigned