JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                             Housing Specialist

DEPARTMENT:                      Housing & Rapid Re-Housing

FLSA:                                      Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:                Senior Housing Specialist

LOCATION:                    Yonkers, NY

SALARY:                         40,000.00 to $45,000.00

SUMMARY:  The housing specialist will help individuals and families with limited financial means obtain safe and affordable permanent housing in Westchester County.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works collaboratively with co-workers, shelter staff, Rapid Re-Housing case managers and the Westchester County Department of Social Services to help individuals and families achieve their housing goals.
• Develops and cultivates professional relationships with real estate brokers, landlords, and property management companies to obtain housing leads and housing resources.
• Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the day.
• Negotiates lease terms with and on behalf of individuals and families. Serve as mediator between clients and landlords/property managers.
• Schedules and conducts intakes for individuals and families residing in Westchester County shelters.
• Maintains accurate written HMIS progress notes for assigned case load. Liable for Keeping folders and reports up to date.
• Identifies affordable housing, schedule and attend apartment viewings, conducts HQS inspections, and completes moving packets. Obtains mandated HUD documents to start or renew leases.
• Participates in assigned housing fairs, internal and external weekly and monthly meetings as needed.
• Conducts housing educational workshop, at least once per month, to provide individuals and families with information, resources and skills to help them secure permanent housing.
• Possess strong organizational skills to meet a demanding workload. Must be able to multitask, be detail oriented and be able to meet deadlines to complete requirements of files and contract compliance packets.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred, with two years’ experience in direct client services. Experience in rental negotiations. Able to consistently walk up and down stairs; standing, walking and bending. Excellent written and communication skills. Able to work well in a team setting. Must have strong work ethics. Must have Intermediate to advanced computer and web skills. Knowledge of local, state, and federal guidelines for public and private low-income housing required.  Must have own transportation and valid driver’s license.

AGENCY PROFILE & EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS:

Westhab is a prominent community development organization, providing housing and supportive services for more than 10,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community each year. We are staffed by an extraordinary group of hard working professionals that are fully committed to our mission - Building Communities. Changing Lives. Working at Westhab is not easy. Our expectations for all staff are high. We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve deserve our very best every day. We are a results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. If you want to apply for this opportunity, it should only be because you feel ready for the challenges and expectations that come with joining this kind of team. (EOE)

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe and healthful working conditions to workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.  Westhab complies with all applicable OSHA standards, rules and regulations in addition to keeping our workplaces free of serious recognized hazards.