Housing Specialist Long Island City

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Program: DHS Shelter Program with Families with Children
Funder: DHS
Reports To: Director of Social Services
Salary: $25.60 per hour

Schedule: Tuesday - Wednesday - Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

The Housing Specialist is responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing placements for homeless families living in our Brooklyn shelter. The specialist will work directly with program participants, landlords, and property managers across to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing options. The role includes housing search, lease negotiation, landlord engagement, housing retention support, and collaboration with case management staff.

• Assist program participants in identifying and securing appropriate apartments in NYC, in accordance with DHS program guidelines.

• Maintain up-to-date listings of available rental units and develop relationships with landlords and property management companies.

• Conduct housing assessments to determine participant housing needs, preferences, and barriers.

• Guide participants through the housing process, including apartment viewing, application submission, and lease signing.

• Collaborate with case managers and social service providers to support participants in overcoming housing barriers such as credit issues, past evictions, or income instability.

• Ensure units meet housing quality standards (HQS) and assist in coordinating inspections, move-in logistics, and furniture delivery if applicable.

• Monitor housing stability through regular follow-ups with participants and landlords, helping to resolve any issues that may arise.

• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in CARES in accordance with DHS and agency requirements, including housing plans, progress notes, and outcome tracking.

• Educate clients on their tenant rights and responsibilities and promote long-term housing stability.

• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and funder-related compliance reviews as needed.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Urban Planning, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.

• At least 2 years of experience in housing placement, landlord outreach, real estate, or homeless services.

• Knowledge of NYC housing landscape, including public and private housing resources, rental subsidies (e.g., FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8), and OTDA housing guidelines.

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.

• Ability to travel throughout all five NYC boroughs regularly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed and housing-first practices is a plus.