Job Description

Job Description

The Housing Retention Specialist is a critical member of the Supportive Services team of Lifting Up Westchester who assist men and women living in shelters or unsheltered situations, within Westchester County, to find reasonable housing they can afford. The Housing Retention Specialist will provide services central to a client’s ability to retain housing and decrease the likelihood of returning to streets/shelter. The Housing Retention Specialist will provide: a budget assessment, locate reasonable housing based on income, and assist with documentation needed to secure ongoing housing subsidy. Once housed, the Housing Retention Specialist will work with each client to develop a treatment plan targeting short- and long-term goals and life skills. Services include: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills training, budgeting, educational/vocational referrals, mental health/medical referrals, etc. The Housing Retention Specialist continues to support each client after being permanently housed or up to one year depending on the level of need.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• · Screen all clients who are referred by shelter case managers/outreach workers.
• · Create both a pre and post housing plan for client once accepted.
• · Examine client’s income and expenses in order to refer to a housing setting that best suits the client’s current budget.
• · Coordinate with landlords on rental amounts, length of lease, and rules connected to the housing rental.
• · Assist with completing all paperwork for referred housing and support the client throughout the process.
• · Be an ongoing advocate for the client in order to create a path for the client’s ongoing care.
• Make referrals to other agencies and services needed to stabilize client's housing and overall well-being.
• · Support each housed client for a period of six months to one year.
• · Enter client’s intake/exit information as well as all subsequent case notes into HMIS.
• Track apartment resources through the creation of vacancy database.
• · Maintain a physical file for each client assigned to a case load.
• · Maintain a caseload of at least 25 clients at a time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of 4 years’ experience providing case management or housing placement services for the street/sheltered homeless populations.

2. Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.

3. Candidate must possess strong organizational/interpersonal skills.

4. Basic computer skills including Word, Excel, and data entry required.

5. Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) is a plus. .

6. Must be able to create and form ongoing relationships with numerous landlords and brokers to ensure reliable referrals for housing.

7. Willing and able to visit and inspect living quarters, climb stairs, drive clients to appointments in company vehicle.

8. Must have strong basic math skills to assist clients by creating household budgets.

9. Valid Driver’s License Required.

Company Description

Mission Statement:
Restoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support, and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.

Vision Statement:
Lifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism.

Company Description

Mission Statement:\r\nRestoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support, and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. \r\n\r\nVision Statement:\r\nLifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism.