Housing Specialist

Position: Housing Specialist

Department: Bronx Community Program

Location: Bronx

Reports To: Manager

Classification: Full Time– Non-Exempt

Work Model: Hybrid

The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is the only culturally specific non-profit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Founded as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has consistently centered survivors in its leadership and fostered a staff community that reflects the rich national, ethnic, and racial diversity of the communities it serves. Today, VIP operates two community-based programs serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens; four housing programs, including two shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, and Home+; a bilingual helpline; and innovative programs focused on economic justice, sexual violence, restorative justice, and child and adolescent services.

Housing Specialist will provide program participants with safe, long-term housing and supportive services to assist them in becoming self-sufficient and free from violence. In addition, the Housing Specialist will provide supportive services that include: case management, educational/vocational workshops, public benefits coordination, financial planning, and leadership development. The goal of this program is for each participant to achieve economic self-sufficiency, educational/vocational attainment and to move them towards permanent housing.

Essential Functions

• Perform telephone screening to identify potential participants.
• Conduct intake assessment on all program participants to identify needs and create/discuss safety plans.

• Provide information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment as it relates to housing and public benefits. This includes over the phone, in person and via written correspondence in a timely manner.
• Consistently assess the safety of clients to ensure their security, and that of their children; and create safety plans as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers on a consistent basis to ensure the highest quality service delivery.
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues as child abuse/neglect, suicide/homicide concerns, etc.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled agency and program meeting including supervision sessions, trainings, case conferences, agency-wide staff meetings, team meetings, inter-disciplinary meetings, etc.

• Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops as needed by program.
• Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; including Promoting VIP services at all public functions.
• Report Language access issues as they occur to Associate Director of Community Programs.
• Perform other tasks as required, including any related administrative duties as needed.

Housing & Public Benefits Functions

• Assist program participants with completing housing applications (i.e. NYCHA Public Housing; Affordable Housing and/or private housing)
• Advocate on behalf of clients regarding housing court issues, emergency transfers, applying for public benefits etc.
• Stay informed and provide information to clients regarding local, state and federal programs that provide rental arrears and assistance
• Participate and advocate in policy discussions about housing and public benefit rights and assist in local and state lobbying efforts including participating in round tables.

• Network with realtors in various communities and accessing their ability to work with program participants
• Conduct groups on housing resources, issues, etc.
• Research low-income housing and maintaining a current resource directory

Data Collection & Entry

• Accurately record all required information that will be pertinent to identified outcomes
• Collect and analyze data to enhance service delivery for the purpose of achieving outcomes
• Make recommendations for improvement or enhancement to data processes to ensure standards in data entry, collection, and retrieval are achieved

Requirements

• BSW, BA or equivalent relevant experience in the field of human services
• Bilingual Required (English/Spanish – verbal and written).
• Must have advocacy and/or counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, women and children’s issues, or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication and documenting skills.
• Must be well organized, work independently and collectively, while maintaining a flexible schedule.

• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations and deliver culturally competent services.
• Must have the ability to operate office equipment such as computers, copy machine, fax machine, phone systems, etc. with strong internet and software skills; incl. Microsoft Office and client database.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity at all times to provide trauma-informed care.
• Must ensure agency, program and client confidentiality at all times.
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace.

• Must be passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with annual wages of $57,500/year.
• We cover 90% of medical insurance premium costs for employees and their families (United Healthcare/Oxford), dental and vision coverage (MetLife). FSA/HSA available.
• Paid Time Off program, 12 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year office closure, and Summer Fridays.
• Commuter benefits
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
• Employee Wellness activities