Careers at JASA Housing Specialist - Community Guardian Program

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of a Masters' level supervisor, the CGP housing specialist will work with the CGP supervisors and social work staff to assist in issues related to maintaining CGP client’s existing housing; in accordance with the standards of the social work profession, agency policies, and requirements of the funding source:

1. Complete, submit and track applications and renewal paperwork required to maintain clients current housing. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Standard lease renewals
• NYCHA recertification’s
• Section 8 recertification’s and reinstatements
• SCRIE/ DRIE applications, recertification’s and reinstatements

• Income Maintenance grant applications
• FHEPS/ SEPS voucher recertification’s

2. Identify housing resources for CGP clients and prepare, submit, and monitor applications for benefits needed to maintain client in current home.
3. The provision of in-home and in-office assessment of the adult client and his/her family, utilizing prescribed standardized assessment instruments; securing where appropriate the assistance of other social workers and/or other professionals. 
4. Attending on-site inspections required to recertify client housing.
5. Working closely with the assigned JASA worker to implement an agreed upon service plan.
6. Individual and family counseling and guidance in the resolution of problems of the clients(s) and family as it relates to housing issues, when necessary.
7. The provision of specific information about entitlements and benefits that may be available.
8. Screening of client eligibility (in conjunction with the assigned Community Guardian Social Worker) and application for such benefits and entitlements as needed.
9. The investigation and application for entitlements, housing resources, benefits, and sources of financial assistance (for adult(s) when it pertains to an impending housing court action, as well as general research and investigation of housing resources in the community that may be utilized on an as-needed basis.
10. Seeking appropriate guidance from the administrative, social service and/ or program director in situations requiring clarification and consultation.
11. Communicating and collaborating with CGP finance and specialist staff to provide relevant 
12. Extended hours: Should the worker be called upon to respond to a crisis outside of normal business hours, including holidays, and to either spend time on the telephone, computer linkage, or assist the client in person, subject to supervisory approval, JASA will provide door to door transportation, meal allowances, and the worker will receive compensatory time for the time spent in travel and rendering services.
13. Emergency Schedules - In certain crisis situations, such as "cold weather days" requiring visitation of clients lacking heat, or scheduled appointments for emergency medical or psychiatric examinations, or implementation of court-ordered protective actions, the worker may be instructed to report to work during times other than the normally scheduled work week, including evenings, week-ends and holidays. JASA will provide door to door transportation, meals allowances, and the worker will receive compensatory time for the time spent in travel and rendering services.

PROFESSIONAL AND AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents and interprets the agency at community conferences and meetings
• Participates in trainings and unit meetings.
• Completes required case records, documentation and forms within mandated time frames, utilizing computers, if so required.
• Establishes and maintains regular and professional correspondence with outside stakeholders and partners (i.e., landlords, building management agents, DHCR, HRA, etc…)
• Responds promptly to inquiries and coordinates with CGP program and finance staff. 
• Handles special assignments and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduate of an Accredited College or University with a B.S.W. or other BA-level degree or equivalent.
• Good writing/record keeping skills.
• Ability to read, write, speak understand English.
• Ability to travel to clients' home and city court houses using mass transit and to negotiate any steps and barriers to clients' residences.
• Knowledge of other languages may be helpful, especially Spanish/Russian/Yiddish/Patois.
• Understanding and appreciation of the roles of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, and individual values as they relate to serving clients and families.
 

COMPENSATION: 

• Rate: $25.72 per hour