Job description

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 54 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly-incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities. Fortune has a highly specialized skill set to serve this population, with over 54 years of experience serving formerly incarcerated individuals in New York City and over 20 years of experience managing supportive housing.

JOB TITLE: Housing Specialist

DEPARTMENT(S): Freedom House

EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt

DATE CREATED: November 10, 2008

DATE REVISED: September 1, 2022

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable intervals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist will screen, assess, counsel and link homeless, formerly incarcerated clients with histories of mental illness, substance use and/or HIV/AIDS to needed transitional and permanent housing.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments on newly released individuals and clients eligible for housing services
• Create individualized treatment plans for each client. Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts.
• Conduct crisis intervention with clients, as needed
• Develop and maintain appropriate housing stock for our clients
• Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance
• Collaborate with, case managers, internal units. Liaison with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner
• Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process. Complete and submit clients’ application to appropriate benefits provider agency (e.g., HRA, Social Security)
• Act as a liaison to representatives of benefits administrations
• Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues
• Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan.
• Con duct periodic treatment plan reviews
• Facilitate support groups and community meetings
• Conduct inspections of housing units to ensure compliance with applicable housing codes and standards
• Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits, as needed
• Follow-up with all referral agencies regarding client progress
• Conduct client home visits
• Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable
• Prepare and submit reports on client intake and discharge activities
• Perform other related duties as assigned

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

REPORTS TO: Director

SUPERVISES: Does not directly supervise paid staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• HS diploma; some college preferred.
• At least two years experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues
• Experience working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (Clients and persons in recovery are encouraged to apply)
• Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills
• Possess strong verbal and writing skills
• Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications
• Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain needed social services
• Possess valid drivers license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record

All new hires are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a qualified disability or sincerely held religious belief or other legal basis). Applicants should not provide medical or genetic information in their applications.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, citizenship status, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.

www.colinoncars.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, www.colinoncars.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, www.colinoncars.com is the ideal place to find your next job.