Date Posted: 9/1/2022
Location: Troy, NY
Job Description
ILCHV is seeking a motivated Housing Specialist to work with our Olmstead Housing Subsidy program and to serve as a Housing Advocate for people with disabilities. Qualified candidates should have experience with housing programs and human services. Knowledge of housing in the Capital District is preferred. Personal experience with disability is a plus!
Purpose: To provide support to qualifying consumers in their pursuit of community-based housing which will ensure an effective transition out of institutional care. Provide general support to people with disabilities to help them navigate their housing needs.
Reports to: Director of Administration
Responsibilities:
- Generate referrals by developing and facilitating outreach with Nursing Homes
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with housing providers, nursing facility staff and other essential stakeholders
- Manage a caseload of OHS participants who have already obtained housing
- Assist participants in meeting their needs outside of housing with resource and referral
- Mediate issues between participants and housing providers
- Advocate for participants when housing providers fall short of their obligations (i.e.: fail to fix issues in units or try to raise rent illegally
- Assist participants in lease recertification’s
- Obtaining income information
- Working with housing provider and consumer to complete paperwork in a timely fashion such that rent is not interrupted
- Assist participants in applying to section 8 wherever / whenever it becomes available
- Manage a caseload of OHS participants who do not yet have housing
- Determine participant eligibility via intake process
- Furnish and stage apartments
- Work with participant to select items of their choice within parameters determined by Grantor
- Order and facilitate delivery of furniture via coordination with furniture provider and housing provider
- Purchase and stage unit with housewares, bedding, toiletries, etc. as requested by participant
- Develop and maintain a database of local and regional housing providers, landlords and housing authorities.
- Maintain regular contact with housing providers and other local organizations for the benefit of participants (SSA, local County Medicaid, food pantries, VAs, etc.
- Attend and participate at staff meetings, mandatory ILCHV events, workshops, and trainings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services plus 1 year of experience in a related field. –OR- Associate’s Degree plus 3-5 years of experience.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills and ability to develop positive working relationships.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
- Organized and self-motivated.
- Personal experience with disability is preferred.
- Understanding and acceptance of Independent Living Philosophy or willingness to learn about it.
To apply: please send a resume and cover letter to Aaron Baier,