Housing Specialist

Division: Health Housing and Homeless Solutions

Reports To: Director of Social Services or Case Manager Supervisor

Location: Dean Street Family Shelter Site

Status/Hours: Full-time Monday Friday (some evening hours may be required)

Salary Range: $50000 - $50000

Program Description

Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) operates family shelters providing safe supportive and dignified transitional housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. Our shelter programs are guided by a trauma-informed strengths-based philosophy and offer a comprehensive continuum of servicesincluding case management housing placement recreation and supportive programmingto help families achieve stability and permanent housing as quickly as possible. All shelter staff are expected to uphold BCSs commitment to equity cultural humility and client-centered care.

Position Overview

The Housing Specialist is responsible for providing intensive housing-focused services to families in the shelter with the primary goal of securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. This role requires in-depth knowledge of NYC housing programs subsidy options and landlord engagement and works in close collaboration with case managers to create individualized housing plans.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Assessment and Planning

• Conduct housing assessments with families upon entry to identify barriers goals and eligibility for housing subsidies and programs.

• Develop and maintain individualized Housing Support Plans in collaboration with case managers and families.

• Monitor housing plan progress and update documentation in CARES and shelter management systems.

• Assess eligibility for housing vouchers CityFHEPS LINC HCV and other subsidy programs.

Housing Placement and Landlord Engagement

• Conduct housing searches and maintain relationships with landlords real estate agents and housing referral networks.

• Assist families with apartment applications lease negotiations and landlord communications.

• Accompany families to apartment viewings and support move-in logistics including connections to furniture and household goods resources.

• Facilitate referrals to aftercare and housing stability services post-placement.

Service Coordination and Compliance

• Collaborate with case managers DHS and partner agencies to remove barriers to housing placement.

• Ensure compliance with DHS housing placement benchmarks and documentation requirements.

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.

• Maintain accurate timely documentation of all client contacts and services provided.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Social Work Human Services or a related field required; MSW or related Masters degree preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in housing placement case management or social services with at least one year working in shelter or homeless services.

• Knowledge: Familiarity with NYC housing subsidy programs (CityFHEPS HCV LINC etc.) DHS regulations and CARES system strongly preferred.

• Skills: Strong relationship-building negotiation and advocacy skills. Excellent documentation and organizational abilities.

• Other: Bilingual ability (Spanish or another language spoken in the community served) strongly preferred. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check in accordance with applicable law including NYC Fair Chance Act requirements.

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.