Good Shepherd Services is a leading multi-service agency with more than 85 programs that serve over 30,000 youth and families each year – and builds on their strengths to help them gain skills for success.  At Good Shepherd we respect the dignity and worth of every person and reject intolerance, inequity and injustice in whatever form it may take. Voted one of the top 100 places to work in NYC by Crain’s New York, Good Shepherd Services offers a fantastic work environment, a collaborative team dedicated to fulfilling our mission, and an amazing array of benefits. Join our team and help make a difference! 

NOTE: As a NYC contracted agency all positions at Good Shepherd Services fall under the NYC vaccine mandate. All employees, volunteers and interns must show proof of vaccination upon hire.

Title:                Housing Specialist

Reports To:     Program Director

Location:         McLaughlin East Harlem Residence

Hours:              40 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt

Job Summary :   As a member of the Chelsea Foyer multidisciplinary team, the Housing Specialist is a driven and creative individual responsible for assisting participants with identifying and obtaining safe and affordable housing options.   They will be responsible for developing and cultivating housing leads and resources through community partnerships, landlords and real estate brokers moving tenants out of program into permanency.  

Major Duties of a Housing Specialist:                            

• Work with residents to develop and implement individualized service plans and goals based upon the specific service needs of the resident, and with a focus on moving out to a more independent living opportunity. Complete discharge summaries for exiting residents.
• Provide advocacy and referral to support resident’s complex needs. Including but not limited to securing benefits, educational/vocational services, independent housing, legal assistance, medical/mental health services and other emergencies.
• Responsible for documenting all progress notes, treatment planning, assessments, alumni surveys, workshop attendance, and additional information as needed into the database, Salesforce, as well as keeping appropriate case records and maintaining accountability to funding sources.
• Provide crisis intervention to residents, diffusing potential crisis situations and taking appropriate action in resolving conflict.
• Collaborate with team to ensure all housing requirements are communicated to residents and maintained.
• Complete a comprehensive survey with alumni who have transitioned out of the program.

• Develop and facilitate Life after Chelsea Foyer workshops to build skills and increase knowledge around living independently.
• Create and maintain a community resource manual by The manual will be used to provide ongoing support to residents transitioning out of the program and to alumni.
• Remain familiar with current Section 8, NYCHA, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), City Fheps, Housing Choice Voucher, and Supportive Housings policy and procedures, and train and inform Chelsea Foyer team about housing related issues including all housing application matters.
• Explain the benefits, advantages and encourage clients to take advantage of the portability option of section 8 voucher.
• Conduct neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas and establish relationships with resources that directly provide housing and/or access to suitable housing options for residents.
• Identify apartments, landlords and real estate agencies as referral resources for residents and negotiate with landlords to promote renting to participants. Accompany participants to apartment viewings. Perform housing inspections for relocations into new units throughout NYC and surrounding areas.
• Assist participants in completing Housing Connect, landlord, property management and other subsidized housing applications, including helping to secure needed documentation and accompanying participants to housing briefings.
• Assist with securing resources for security deposit, broker’s fees, moving expenses, furniture, household items, and ensuring that all required supporting documentation is available upon request.

General:

• Participate in supervision, team meetings, case and service plan reviews, and suggested training.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model and Stages of Change towards. Actively participate in safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, Roundtable meetings, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.

Qualifications of a Housing Specialist:

• Bachelor’s Degree Required
• In Lieu of Bachelors,  qualifed candidates with High School Diploma/Equivalency  plus 2-3 years direct experience as a Housing Specialist may be considered.
• Knowledge of housing subsidies, rules, regulations, and affordable housing industry in NYC with 2-3 years of relevant housing experience strongly preferred. Working knowledge of NYCHA Project Based Section 8 a plus.
• Ability to work independently and maximize time while conducting field work.
• Experience in identifying and overcoming social and economic barriers related to housing needs for those in a lower income bracket.
• 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.
• Demonstrated interpersonal flexibility, teamwork, customer service aptitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking capability, proven ability to achieve results.
• Flexible hours to ensure access and availability.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development and trauma-informed perspective.

General Requirement:

All staff are expected to be committed to the mission, vision, and values of Good Shepherd Services, which includes involvement in quality improvement activities and a willingness and ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.

Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.