Housing Specialist

Location: 1171 Washington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456 Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Required to work one late day) This position is represented by OPEIU Local 153 The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation's preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities. Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year. Our participant population mirrors the incarcerated population in being approximately 85% male and over 90% people of color. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Position Summary: The Housing Specialist will conduct screenings and assessments, provide counseling, and coordinate housing placements for homeless and justice involvement participants with histories of mental illness, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS, linking them to appropriate transitional and permanent housing options. Core Competencies Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune's mission and fit, and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune's core cultural value so that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done. Communication: The Housing Specialists must actively listen to participants to fully understand their housing needs, concerns, and potential barriers. This skill is essential in building trust, ensuring appropriate referrals, and developing effective housing plans tailored to everyone's situation. Resourceful: The Housing Specialists should possess a strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations. This knowledge enables them to guide participants through the housing process, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively on their behalf. Liaise between housing providers and participants: The Housing Specialists must be skilled in building rapport and maintaining positive relationships with participants, landlords, and property managers. Equally important is the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and community organizations to ensure seamless service delivery and successful housing placements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Complete supportive housing applications in the Coordinated Assessment Placement System (CAPS); Create individualized treatment plans for each client. Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts; Assess clients need for temporary rental subsidy and furniture/moving allowance; Liaison with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Homeless services (DHS), and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to assure clients receive entitlements in a timely manner; Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process; Act as liaison between client and landlord to mediate any landlord-tenant issues; Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan; Schedule and accompany clients, if needed, to apartment viewings and participate in all clients move ins; Facilitate housing readiness workshops and participate in relevant training; Advocate for client services, especially housing and HRA rent enhancement benefits, as needed; Search for alternative options to secure permanent housing; Enter all client services in the agency's proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable; Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Qualifications: HS diploma required, some college preferred; At least two years' experience dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and/or criminal justice issues; Experience of working with clients, at-risk youth and other disenfranchised populations (clients and people in recovery are encouraged to apply); Possess strong follow-up, organizational and leadership skills; Possess strong verbal and writing skills; Experience using Microsoft Word computer applications; Able to encourage disenfranchised populations to seek and obtain the social services needed; Possess valid driver's license and proven driving ability as demonstrated by previous driving record. We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Physical Demands: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.