Job Description
ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
Located in lower Manhattan, the South Strand Safe Haven is comprised of 106 beds for individuals who are not yet ready to transition into permanent housing, as well as those who may have struggled in other housing programs. The South Strand Safe Haven offers an alternative to life on the street: private, safe, clean, and affordable short-term accommodations. On-site case management and clinical services are available to meet the needs of its residents and to help those ready to move into secure permanent housing.
Reporting to the Director, Programs, Transitional Housing, the Senior Housing Specialist oversees the Housing Specialist and works closely with clients, members of the city contracted outreach teams, and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing. The Senior Housing Specialist is responsible for ensuring that program targets are met by working with the Housing Specialist to coordinate and expedite the housing placement process by assisting residents in achieving housing readiness, establishing eligibility profile, seeking out and matching permanent housing opportunities. In coordination with the Assistant Program Director and the case management team, the Senior Housing Specialist identifies appropriate and available housing opportunities based on the specific client’s needs and helps to secure the most suitable option.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Supervise Housing Specialist
• Maintain quality control of housing applications
• Ensure program housing placement targets are achieved
• Complete DHS Vacancy Report before 9:30 am, 7 days a week
• Help develop a directory and coordinate alternative housing opportunities including scatter site, market rate apartments, nursing home, and mental health housing
• Ensure clients are prepared for the housing process by coordinating mock interviews, groups, escort to housing interviews, communications with housing providers on specific client issues, and tracking clients’ progress towards housing readiness
• Clearly communicate with case management staff regarding upcoming interviews, sent applications, and follow up with housing providers
• Liaise with DHS to ensure fair treatment of residents during application review process, to refer clients to housing, to seek out new housing opportunities, etc.
• Maintain records on interview results and housing placements; make recommendations for process improvement
• Ensure that clients are matched and placed in housing appropriate to their needs
• Performs other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QULAIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred
• Substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions
• Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a non-profit or real estate environment; knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs preferred
• Previous experience and working with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse/dual diagnosis required
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Bilingual preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams
• Preferred experience with HRA 2010e, databases, AWARDS/Foothold, CARES
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
