Shelter Housing Specialist II in Schenectady, New York at Ywca Of Schenectady

For more than 135 years, YWCA NENY has been a trusted leader in serving the community and advancing our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all. We are passionate about creating supportive environments where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive.

We are seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and driven Shelter Housing Specialist II to join our Domestic Violence Services team. In this impactful role, you will help survivors and families transition from crisis to stability by connecting them with safe and affordable housing opportunities throughout the Capital District.

If you are passionate about advocacy, housing stability, trauma-informed care, and making a direct difference in people’s lives every day, we encourage you to apply.

• Position: Shelter Housing Specialist II
• Department: Domestic Violence Services
• Reports To: Director of Shelter, Advocacy, and DV Education
• Schedule: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Pay Range: $23 - $26 per hour
• Location: Capital District, New York

We value and support our employees with a strong benefits package and mission-driven culture.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Employee Discount on Early Learning Center Programs
• Ongoing Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Meaningful work that creates lasting community impact

As the Shelter Housing Specialist II, you will provide hands-on housing support and advocacy to survivors residing in shelter. You will help clients navigate barriers to housing while collaborating with landlords, service providers, and community partners to create pathways toward long-term stability.

• Provide services as required by the YWCA Northeastern NY’s mission Policies and Procedures, as well as state and governmental funding sources.
• Coordinate and manage the Coordinated Entry process to support timely housing placement.
• Assist clients with housing searches, applications, required documentation, and appointment scheduling.
• Advocate for clients with landlords and property managers, including lease negotiations and resolving housing concerns.
• Educate clients on tenant rights, lease agreements, housing responsibilities, and eviction prevention strategies.
• Research and maintain up-to-date housing and rental resources throughout the Capital District.
• Provide transportation to housing-related appointments using agency vehicles when needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation and database records.
• Collaborate with shelter staff, case managers, and community partners to ensure holistic support services.
• Support clients navigating benefits systems, including SSDI and SSI resources.
• Cover the shelter front desk or hotline coverage on a rotating basis and collaboratively flip rooms to enable new clients entry int the YWCA NENY EHWC
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.

We are looking for someone who is empathetic, organized, adaptable, and committed to empowering survivors through advocacy and housing support.

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, trauma, homelessness, or crisis situations.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and client-centered practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with clients, landlords, and community agencies.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, online housing resources, and databases.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in domestic violence services, housing navigation, human services, crisis intervention, social services, or related fields preferred.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Ability to drive a non-commercial agency van.
• Successful completion of all role required checks
• Completion of Defensive Driving training.
• This is a grant-funded 3-year position with strong potential for renewal.

YWCA NENY is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Join a team that is dedicated to supporting survivors, strengthening communities, and creating lasting change. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.