Housing Specialist

We are seeking a Housing Specialist to join our HSVS team. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Development the Housing Specialist will assist youth in their transition out of foster care and into independent living. The ideal candidate should have strong organizational skills and be able to closely monitor and track the application process of multiple youth simultaneously. Be able to build rapport and trust with youth to help ensure they are fully engaged throughout the transition process. Utilize the Fair Futures model in order to provide comprehensive support to youth during this transition process. Take ownership of the independent living skills by running workshops and coaching youth around independence. The Specialist is an essential member of the Youth Development team and is expected to collaborate with coaches to support youth and help with monthly events. The Housing Specialist will also work closely with Case Planners who will be responsible for setting up external partnerships within the NYC housing community. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for collecting and analyzing data to drive the work with the youth they support.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Uses positive approaches when handling difficult situations.
• Serves as role model for program participants.
• Remains sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of program participants and staff.
• Participates in in-service trainings and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development. Attends external trainings and workshops at direction of management
• Assist young people who are aging out of the foster care system with applying to all forms of housing.
• Monitor youthsapplication status and follow-up with NYCHA and supportive housing residences as needed in order to help them obtain housing.
• Help youthsapply to permanent housing when applicable by helping them obtain Section 8 vouchers apply to the NYC affordable housing lottery and search for other forms of housing.
• Build collaborative relationships and coordinate with internal partners (such as the youths Coaches and Case Planners) and external partners (such as NYCHA and supportive housing staff) to assistwith the goal of obtaining housing and transitioning out of care.
• Develop and implement Housing themed workshops for youth who are aging out of foster care or have aged out to ensure they have the quintessential skills needed to live on their own successfully and attend other Youth Development Workshops and events to get to know youth and support other Specialist and Coaches.
• Assist youth with the application and acquisition of grants and vouchers to help make the transition to independent living easier
• Accompany youthto important appointments such as housing interviews and furniture shopping.
• Collaborate with youth to build a comprehensive plan for independent living including budgeting maintaining housing connecting with community resources and managing adult life.
• Support youthsin the obtainment of vital records needed for housing and other purposes.
• Maintain accurate up-to-date records of housing applications discharge grants housing subsidies emergency grants and interactions with youth.
• Support projects and initiatives for the Youth Development Team.
• Performs additional duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

• Bachelors degree required.
• Minimum two-three years of required experienceworking in social work public housing and foster care systems.
• Experience working with foster care youth that have aged out of care. Preferred.
• Experience preferred in NYCHA and supportive housing programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Computer skills - flexibility in working on assignments stays on task and meets deadlines strong analytical skills creative and critical thinker and ability to stay organized. Experience and confidence with working with data and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Personal & Interpersonal Skills - self-motivated team player able to relate with teens and young adults able to manage stress and able to see value in and promote diversity in others. Passionate about delivering friendly flexible compassionate and effective services to youth in foster care. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You canexpect:

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation sick personal days and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health dental vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care Medical Parking and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets movie tickets theme parks sporting events gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process please reach out to .

About Heartshare

Who WE ARE:

For over 150 years Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.

To learn more about HeartShare please visit our website at or Follow us onTwitterLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook

HeartShare Human Services of New York Homepage

HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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