Housing Specialist

Title:                 Housing Specialist

Program:          Ana’s Place

Salary Range:   $50,000

Program Description:

Ana’s Place is a 108-bed 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless men with mental health and/or substance use histories.  Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities, and housing placement assistance.  Additionally, psychiatric services are provided Monday through Friday, staffed by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Housing Coordinator include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Utilizing vacancy rosters provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and other housing providers, identifies vacancies throughout the five boroughs and selects possible housing options to which clients can apply for placement.
• Reviews , in collaboration with the Case Managers, the application package for each client to be sure documents are complete and the psychological evaluation is current, assists the client in submitting the application to the housing provider, and performs appropriate follow-up on submitted application.   
• Reviews the Overnight Report daily to become aware of new clients to be scheduled for orientation and to know if any clients have missed curfew and possibly a scheduled appointment for housing placement. Performs appropriate follow-up in either situation.
• Conducts weekly individualized and group meetings for clients, focusing on housing placement issues and guiding them through the housing application process.
• Visits housing providers’ facilities to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with them and to get as much information as possible for the clients applying for placement.
• Prepares clients for housing interviews, conducting mock interviews sessions, accompanies them on tours of facilities, and in general coordinates and facilitates the referral process.  
• Coordinates escort services for groups of clients going for housing placement interviews.
• Transmit 2010E housing applications via the Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS).

• Reviews and updates the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews, and selections or denials.  Performs follow-up to any denial of housing applications submitted to providers.
• Documents case notes in CARES database.
• Conducts weekly on-site housing workshops.
• Maintains and participates in the weekly Partners for Permanency (PFP) case management conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Shelter Director.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree or, High School/GED Diploma and two (2) years of experience working with homeless adults and/or substance abuse populations.

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.