Address
Form of workESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP) assists homeless families and individuals, or those at-risk of homelessness, who are residing in the community and at NYC shelters. The Housing Navigator will work with families and individuals to relocate them into permanent housing or to prevent those in the community with housing crisis from entering the shelter and establish a plan for long term housing stability. They will provide extensive transitional services to clients, post housing intervention, in order to facilitate a successful transition back in the community or to remain in their community. He/she will:
- Outreach to homeless families residing in New York City shelters as well as those facing eviction within NYC communities
- Manage a caseload of 35+
- Assess prospective clients and determine eligibility for the program
- Outline action plans that establish a path to permanent housing
- Conduct extensive case management based on the client's risk factors
- Ensure access to NYC entitlement/benefit programs where necessary, particularly in order to secure permanent housing options
- If necessary, assist clients with the process of securing housing including but not limited to, coordinating and attending apartment interviews; acquiring and submitting apartment applications, supporting documentation, and forms; navigating the various rental subsidy and inspection processes; securing applicable move-in assistance; and coordinating move-ins with landlords and other relevant stakeholders
- Assist clients to submit applications for permanent housing subsidy programs, such as CityFHEPS, Section 8 EHV, and others
- Coordinate access to financial assistance for housing relocation expenses, such as moving costs and furniture
- Develop relationships with landlords and brokers for successful relocation into safe and affordable housing
- Assist households with acquiring the necessary documentation and mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, and unfavorable landlord references as necessary
- Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities as tenants
- Conduct home visits to ensure appropriate housing and subsidy compliance
- Refer clients to financial coaching, job training, education, and other self-sufficiency programs; follow-up on the status of referrals made
- Collaborate with clients' shelter-based case manager or housing specialist to ensure successful relocation
- Maintain weekly and other periodic reporting requirements in AWARDS
- Other duties as required by the Assistant Director
COMPETENCIES
- Familiarity with the NYC service landscape, including housing and public assistance, as well as empowerment services such as homelessness prevention and workforce development
- Experience as a case manager in an eviction prevention/re-housing services/shelter program preferred
- Experience with the housing subsidy programs and submitting housing applications in NYC preferred
- Experience working with landlords, brokers and the rental market in NYC preferred
- Ability to travel throughout all five NYC boroughs
- Ability to manage a large caseload of clients with diverse, presenting issues
- Strong computer proficiency using standard office software programs required, in particular Microsoft Office; ability to utilize technology in daily work; experience with web-based applications.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with people from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Creative and a self-starter; able to work independently
- Bilingual language skills are a plus
- Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills
- Critical thinking and sound judgment required; able to problem solve and think through complex challenges
- Ability to build relationships and partnerships with external partners
- Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
- Have a demonstrated commitment to supporting communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias (e.g. people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice involved persons, etc.)
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree required
It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.
