Housing Specialist in Middletown, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Housing Specialist

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Middletown Program Manager

Base Location: Middletown

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am -5pm

Pay Rate: $24.85

About Independent Living, Inc.

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Make a direct impact by helping individuals secure safe, stable, and accessible housing that supports long-term independence.
• Build meaningful partnerships with landlords, community agencies, and service providers to expand housing opportunities across the region.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team committed to successful community transitions and person-centered support.

What You'll Do

• Assist individuals in identifying and securing safe, stable, and accessible housing options.
• Guide participants through the housing process, including completing applications, gathering documentation, and preparing for move-in.
• Collaborate with Independent Living Specialists, Transition Specialists, Service Coordinators, Care Managers, and community partners to support successful housing transitions.
• Conduct post-move follow-up to assess housing stability, assist with energy assistance applications, and ensure continued program eligibility.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to expand available housing opportunities.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of available housing units, including accessibility features, rental costs, locations, and nearby community resources.
• Accurately document participant services and housing outcomes in required databases and reporting systems.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development opportunities, and ongoing training to remain current on housing resources and best practices.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Experience in housing services, disability services, community outreach, human services, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and those transitioning from institutional care, with a commitment to promoting independence and community integration.
• Familiarity with housing programs, fair housing principles, and community resources, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and other web-based systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and foster collaborative relationships.

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of housing and community resources throughout Orange and Dutchess Counties.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or other underserved populations.
• Bilingual communication skills.
• Personal or professional experience with disability, caregiving, or navigating housing systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered services.

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Successful placement of participants into safe, stable, and appropriate housing.
• Strong relationships with landlords, housing providers, and community partners that expand housing opportunities.
• Timely, accurate documentation and compliance with program and reporting requirements.
• Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to support seamless community transitions.
• High participant satisfaction and improved long-term housing stability and independence.

Benefits available to you include

• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/