Housing Specialist in Bronx, New York at Osborne Association Inc

The Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

Osborne has opened its first transitional housing and reentry program, The Fulton Community Reentry Center (Fulton). Fulton will provide 140 beds of transitional reentry housing to formerly incarcerated men who would otherwise be homeless after discharge from a correctional facility. Fulton will also provide onsite reentry services, including case management, benefits enrollment, employment, health, and substance use disorder treatment. The facility operates 365 days on a 24-hour basis daily, including evening and weekend hours (some positions will require non-traditional work hours).

We currently seek a full-time Housing Specialist to join and support our Fulton team! The Fulton Community Reentry Center (Fulton) will provide 140 beds of transitional reentry housing to formerly incarcerated men who would otherwise be homeless after discharge from a correctional facility. The Housing Specialist is responsible for collaborating with Case Managers and clients to secure permanent housing. This position reports to the Housing Coordinator.

Salary Range: $27.47 - $28.85 per hour

Essential Duties:

• Interfaces with landlord and management companies to establish a working relationship
• Create and maintain a liaison with DHS Housing Placement Unit
• Oversees landlord and management company compliance in meeting the established housing laws, building codes, and lease agreements
• Works in conjunction with Case Management to identify potential clients that are housing ready
• Resolves crises or conflicts with landlords and management relationships
• Ensures uniformity in maintaining fair housing standards in securing apartments
• Develops and maintains a database of available housing options
• Works towards identifying new housing opportunities for clients through ongoing networks
• Prepares and/or coordinates reports, and related information related to housing codes and compliance
• Informs Case Management staff of unit readiness and/or problems with client maintaining units
• Prepare housing packages (HRA’s 2010E Application, General Population Housing Packages, HUD VASH Application Process, HPD Section 8 Process, LINC IV, IV & V, etc.) and collaborate with Case Management staff with the preparation of psycho-social applications and assist in the access of any needed documents
• In-person attendance is required to collaborate with co-workers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Work experience should include but is not limited to, NYC Housing programs, housing resources, negotiating lease agreements with landlords and/or realtor management companies providing housing for special needs populations
• Knowledge of applicable state and city housing and disability laws and codes is essential
• Prior experiences using HOME, CARES, etc. database
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Key Competencies:

• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines, strong attention to detail, and time management skills
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions
• Ability to take the initiative and drive for results
• Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization and build strong relationships
• Must have the flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Engaging personality and detailed oriented skills are essential.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts and listen.
• Able to deal calmly in crisis situations and handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
• Effective at working collaboratively well with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient.
• Strong oral and written communication, time management, and organizational skills are necessary.

Benefits of Working for the Osborne Association:

Generous benefits include four weeks of vacation, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans. The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Please be sure to include a cover letter with your application. We wish we could personally respond to each application but due to the volume of interest we receive, we are not able to. Please, no phone calls.

** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.