Housing Specialist

PURPOSE: The Kaplan House (Manhattan), Cedar Knolls House (Bronx), SILP (Bronx) provides therapeutic and support services to adolescent’s ages 16-21 who are referred through the Administration for Children’s Services. Our residents have experienced significant trauma and often struggle with managing their emotional and behavioral needs. Both programs provide an array of services including medical, clinical, education/vocation, recreation, substance use and additional support services that emphasize family interaction and strengthening of community support networks, as well as increasing independent living skills. All treatment team members work to ensure that youth and families drive the focus of their treatment and are full-time partners in their own healing and recovery. Youth and families have direct input into their treatment as well as program performance and development. We utilize Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) in conjunction with evidence-based clinical interventions to support youth and family in their healing and recovery. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Housing Specialist is part of The Jewish Board’s “A Step Ahead” coaching program, sponsored by Fair Futures. Fair Futures is a coalition of child welfare agencies, non-profits, foundations, advocates and young adults working to ensure they fulfill their promise to New York City’s foster youth. The Housing Specialist is responsible for working with youths residing at the Jewish Board’s two Hard to Place Group Homes, Kaplan House and Cedar Knolls House. Specialists assist coaches and young people in conducting specific, specialized, and targeted tasks that will help them achieve permanent housing post discharge from foster care. Under the model, the housing specialist assists youths with securing appropriate housing based on the strengths and needs of each young person. The specialist also supports the work of the Youth Empowerment Coaches who work to provide intensive coaching to a caseload of youth with the goal of increasing graduation rates, building career development experiences, and supporting the youth transitioning into adulthood. KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Work with young people who are aging out to submit all forms of housing applications by age 18. Check-in on young people’s application status and follow-up with NYCHA and supportive housing residences, as needed. Help young people apply to permanent housing, when applicable, by helping them obtain Section 8 vouchers, apply to the NYC affordable housing lottery, etc. Collaborate with the case planner and treatment team on all aspects pertaining to the young person securing housing and/or housing program, and actualizing the discharge process to housing. Complete all required Fair Futures trainings in addition to required agency and regulatory bodies’ trainings. Supervisor/program may also add required trainings as necessary. Work 1:1 with youth onsite/offsite to develop goals based on their interests and strengths and take measurable steps towards their housing goals Collaborate with residential team members as well as outside service providers, parents/caregivers, etc. to develop youth-focused plans. Re-engage disconnected youth and/or alumni that are struggling with housing or their housing goals. Establish and develop relationships with housing programs for young adults, realtors, housing authority, and realty groups etc. to increase housing opportunities for young people. Coordinate specifically with the Coaches assigned to each youth regarding educational standing and employment for the youth as it may affect housing requirements and options. Support youth with transitioning to adult housing included but not limited to attending interviews/tours, moving in, obtaining furniture, and supporting them with maintaining housing through IL skills (budgeting, opening bank accounts, etc.) Frequent fieldwork and willingness to travel within the boroughs by public transportation or in an agency vehicle as available. Other duties as assigned CORE COMPETENCIES: Relational Skills: Ability to work from a strength-based, trauma-informed, youth development lens; Compassionate, warm, empathetic; A love for working with young people; Strong ability to relate to young people, and provide support and encouragement Consistent and reliable; Values and promotes diversity; A belief that change is possible; Able to maintain healthy boundaries; Able to remain calm during moments of tension and stress. Successful Specialists Need: Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;