Economic Empowerment Specialist Supportive Housing

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980Urban Resource Institute (URI)is the nations largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City URI provides safe housing fornearly 4000individuals and their pets every night and serves more than40000 peopleannually.

URIs work is grounded in survivor-centered trauma-informed and culturally responsive addition to emergency and transitional housing URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiativesincluding economic empowerment legal education and advocacy prevention and youth programming and abusive partner interventiondesigned to break cycles of violence instability and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing advancing long-term pathways to safety healing and stability for families and communities.

Innovative Urban Village opening in Summer 2026 is Urban Resource Institutes first Supportive Housing program in partnership with Christian Cultural Center and is a comprehensive redevelopment projectlocatedin East New York Brooklyn. Phase 1A includes 376 income-based rental residences of which 94 units are dedicated to families who have experienced homelessnessas a result ofdomestic violence and who qualify for Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) services. The program provides permanent supportive housing and trauma-informed culturally competent services designed to promote long-term housing stability and independent living. As URIs first Supportive Housing program Innovative Urban Villagerepresentsa foundational expansion of the agencys housing continuum requiring the development of a comprehensive program model policies procedures and service framework frominceptionthrough full implementation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Economic Empowerment Specialist supports residents in achieving long term financial stability increased income and economic independence. The Specialist provides individualized coaching employment readiness services financial literacy education andbenefitsnavigation to help residents build sustainable pathways towardself-sufficiency.

This role requires strong knowledge of workforce development systems financial coaching principles and the unique economic challenges faced by familiesimpactedby domestic Specialist collaborates closely with Case Managers Housing Specialists and the Director of Clinical Services to ensure integrated high quality service delivery aligned withESSHIandOTDAstandards.

Salary: $49000 - $55000

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Employment & Career Development

• Conduct employment and vocational assessments toidentifystrengths barriers and career goals.
• Provide individualized job readiness coaching including resume development interview preparation and job search strategies.
• Facilitateemploymentfocusedworkshops andskillbuildinggroups.
• Support residents in accessing workforce programs (SBSHRADYCD CUNY WIOA programs etc.).
• Build andmaintain relationships with employers training programs and workforce partners to create employment pipelines.

Financial Literacy & Economic Stability

• Conduct financial assessments and develop individualized financial plans.
• Provide coaching on budgeting banking credit building debt reduction andlongtermfinancial planning.
• Facilitate financial literacy workshops and group sessions.
• Support residents in accessing financial resources such as tax credits banking services and credit repair programs.
• Assistresidents in navigating public benefits including SNAP Medicaid childcare subsidies and cashassistance.

Housing Stability & Income Support

• Collaborate with Case Managers and Housing Specialists to ensure income stability supports housing retention.
• Assistresidents with income documentationrequiredfor recertifications subsidies and rent calculations.
• Identifyearly signs of income instability and intervene to prevent arrears or tenancy risk.
• Support residents in developinglongtermeconomic plans that align with housing stability goals.

ESSHIOTDA& Supportive Housing Compliance

• Ensure all services align withESSHIservice categories related to employment education andbenefitsaccess.
• Maintainaccurateandtimelydocumentation in CAPS HMIS and other required data systems.
• Track employment outcomes income changes and financial milestones for reporting and quality assurance.
• Participate in audits case reviews and program evaluations.

Resource Navigation & Community Linkages

• Connect residents tocommunitybasedservices including vocational training GED/HSE programs ESL classes childcare and legal services.
• Provide warm handoffs andfollowupto ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain updated knowledge of workforce trends training opportunities and financial resources.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and service coordination meetings.
• Collaborate with Case Managers to integrate economic goals into service plans.
• Work closely with the Housing Specialist to supportincomerelatedtenancy needs.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Clinical Servicesregarding residents with complex needs.

Training & Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training ontrauma informedcare DV best practices financial coaching and supportive housing standards.
• Engage in reflective supervision and contribute to a culture of learning and accountability.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelors degree in social work human services business education or related fieldrequired.
• Certifications in financial coaching workforce development or career counseling preferred but notrequired.

REQUIREDSKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of2years of experience in employment services financial coaching economic empowerment or related fields.
• Knowledge of workforce development systems financial literacy principles and public benefits.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and families with complex needs.
• Strong facilitation skills for groups and workshops.
• Ability to support residents with varying levels of education employment history and financial literacy.
• Strong organizational communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in afast-pacedenvironment.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office and data management systems.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Will berequiredto read printed and handwritten materials.
• Will berequiredtousecomputer mouse and keyboard.
• Will berequiredto read information on computer screen.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds at times occasionally reach and bend.
• May require occasional work outside established working hours including evenings and weekends.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

Required Experience:

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