Housing Assistant - Marsha's House

Title:                   Housing Assistant

Program:           Marsha’s House

Program Description

Marsha’s House is an 81-bed shelter that serves LGBTQI+ homeless youth between the ages of 18-30.  The program assists all residents with obtaining supportive housing opportunities.  In addition, clients are provided resources for medical, mental health, substance use treatment, assistance with obtaining identification, and educational/vocational services.

Overall Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Director of Social Services, with some latitude for independent action and decision making, the Housing Assistant is responsible for identifying housing options for the clients, especially the long term stayers, and assisting the clients in preparing and submitting applications so permanent housing can be obtained, the lengths of stay in the shelter can be reduced, and clients can obtain independence and return to their communities; performs related duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties of the Housing Assistant include but are not limited to the following activities:

·       Visits housing providers’ facilities and independent landlords to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with them and to get as much information as possible for the clients applying for placement.

·       Prepare clients for housing interviews, conducting mock interview sessions, accompanying them on tours of facilities, and in general coordinate and facilitate the referral processes.  

·       Coordinates escorts services for groups of clients going for housing placement interviews.

·       Review and update the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews and selections or denials. Performs special follow-up on any denial of housing applications submitted to housing providers.

·       Works collaboratively with Case Managers and the Housing Coordinator on housing options for clients and having the documented financial resources for submitting the applications to the housing provider.

·       Attends and participates in the weekly Performance for Permanency (P4P) case management conferences.

·       Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services

Physical Activities

While performing the duties of this position, the Housing Assistant must be able to navigate the 5-story facility by foot, climbing up and down the stairwells, in order to observe staff and see clients. Furthermore, the Housing Assistant must stand to talk to clients and staff, sit for extended periods of time at the computer, reach or squat to get records from files.

Education Requirements

All candidates must have a High School Diploma and Driver’s License

Experience Requirements

A minimum of 1) year of progressively responsible experience working with mentally ill individuals or homeless individuals.

Preferred skills:

Housing Options:           A knowledge of low-income housing in New York City as well as special needs housing, including the NY/NY Supportive Housing and Section 8 housing.

Communication:            Must have excellent oral, writing and listening skills.  

Organizational skills: The ability to work independently and to initiate corrective actions to help clients seeking permanent housing.

Interpersonal skills:       Must have the ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff.

Computer skills:             Must have knowledge of case management software as well as a proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and EXCEL.

To apply: E-mail resume and cover letter indicating position and salary requirements: careers@projectrenewal.org