Housing Specialist - URRH (Manhattan)

About Jericho Project

Jericho Project is a nationally-acclaimed nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots by enabling homeless individuals and families to attain quality housing, employment and mental and physical health services. The 41-year-old nonprofit serves over 2,500 individuals, including 700 veterans, annually. Jericho has been a key partner in New York City’s initiative to end veterans’ homelessness, and is leading bold, innovative strategies to do the same for families and young adults.

Our programs touch four cornerstones of a person’s life: housing, employment, wellness and family stability. We create a culture of “moving on” through a foundation of housing and supportive services provided by expert program specialists and case managers.

We have over 600 units of supportive housing including 8 residences in the Bronx and Harlem, as well as scatter-site apartments throughout NYC.

About the Position

Jericho Project is seeking a driven and creative individual to join the Unsheltered Rapid Rehousing Program as the Housing Specialist. The Housing Specialist will be responsible for assisting the unsheltered homeless with identifying and obtaining safe and affordable housing opportunities. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and cultivating housing leads and resources through community agencies, landlords and real estate brokers willing to accept program participants with little or no income. The Housing Specialist will also work with the VA, NYCHA, HPD, and HRA to ensure housing is secured and maintained in a timely and efficient manner.

Responsibilities:

Ø Conduct housing assessments with participants referred from the Assistant Program Director and other staff to assess housing needs and preferences utilizing a Housing-First approach.

Ø Work with high-risk participants to move into permanent housing quickly, within 45 days.

Ø Develop and cultivate strong relationships with housing resources, including landlords, brokers, and real estate agencies.

Ø Provide hands-on housing counseling and placement assistance to enable participants

to find suitable housing, including identifying viable housing options, scheduling participants for apartment viewings, conducting inspections (virtually when possible), assessing rent reasonableness, and conducting neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas.

Ø Assist Participants in completing landlord and property management housing applications, including helping to secure needed documentation and accompanying participants to housing viewings and appointments when necessary.

Ø Advocate on behalf of the participants with landlords and brokers to overcome any issues or challenges to securing suitable housing.

Ø Assist with securing resources for security deposit, broker’s fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items through referrals and completion of all initial Financial Assistance Requests for participants receiving Temporary Financial Assistance at move-in. Ensure that all required supporting documentation is present in the request.

Ø Collaborate as a member of the larger Jericho Project team and serve as a housing resource expert as needed.

Ø Serve as point-of-contact for landlords; work with case manager and participants to resolve issues affecting participants’ ability to maintain housing and positive landlord/tenant relationship

Ø Assist participants with referrals and applications for housing vouchers including HUD VASH, Section 8 from HPD and NYCHA, and City vouchers through HRA such as City FHEPS.

Ø Assist participants with approved 2010es access supportive housing by making housing referrals, contacting providers, and attending housing interviews.

Ø Help to conduct orientation sessions with new participants to explain housing rules and regulations and lease obligations, as well as housing quality standards and housing assistance policies.

Ø Computes housing assistance payments, tenant rental amounts, utility reimbursements, and rent increases in order to satisfy program guidelines and landlord requests using knowledge of program regulations.

Ø Performs re-examinations, interim interviews and verifies income to determine and maintain eligibility with federal and city guidelines and regulations;

Ø Maintains and inputs case notes in AWARDS to reflect housing services provided in a timely manner.

Ø Prepares monthly statistical reports to track housing placements and other data as mandated.

Requirements:

Ø High school diploma required; (Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred) but will consider extensive experience in lieu of education

Ø 2-3 years relevant experience preferred.

Ø Strong computer and technology skills.

Ø Ability to work independently and maximize time while conducting field work.

Ø Experience in social and economic problems related to housing needs for those in a lower income bracket.

Ø Demonstrated knowledge of challenges faced by special populations, including mental health disabilities, low income and homelessness; experience working in a multi-racial, low-income community preferred.

Ø Demonstrated interpersonal flexibility, teamwork, customer service aptitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ø Knowledge of housing subsidies, rules, regulations, and affordable housing industry in NYC strongly preferred.

Ø Strong organizational and multi-tasking capability, proven ability to achieve results.

Ø Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Ø Housing Specialist are regularly required to, type, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arm. The SD is regularly required to walk, ascend and descent stairs, stoop, and kneel. The SD is often required to spend up to six (6) hours sitting at a desk during a normal eight (8) hour shift. Occasionally the SD is required to lift items less than 5 pounds. The SD is regularly required to move between the office and NYC while carrying out job duties.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $50,000.00 to $55,000.00annualized. Jericho Project offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees are eligible for a merit increase annually. Merit increases are based on the employee’s performance during the prior year.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• knowledge of challenges faced by special populations: 2 years (Required)
• knowledge of working with low income and homeless peoples: 2 years (Preferred)
• working in a multi-racial community: 2 years (Preferred)
• working knowledge of housing subsidies: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10006