Reporting to the Housing Specialist Supervisor, the Housing Specialist will be responsible for working closely with voucher holders to assist them with finding a suitable unit to rent. The Housing Specialist will also conduct outreach to property owners and brokers to identify housing opportunities.

Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Identify housing opportunities for voucher holders searching by conducting outreach and coordinating with case managers, property owners, property management companies, and brokers.
2. Maintain voucher holders’ records by writing and reviewing case notes; logging events and progress.
3. Serve as the primary point of contact for property owners, case managers, and the voucher holders during the lease-up process.
4. Educate voucher holders on the housing search and lease-up process.
5. Assist voucher holders with filling out rental applications, interpreting leases, and understanding tenant right and responsibilities.
6. Maintain data related to property owners and brokers, available units, and client interactions.
7. Prepare case-related reports including outcomes, successes, and challenges.
8. Complete intake interviews; conduct screening/qualification questions related to housing searches.
9. Process broker fee payments.
10. Refer voucher holders to appropriate agencies, as needed.

Note: This position requires a candidate fluent in Russian. Candidates must pass a Russian proficiency test.

Note: Due to the existence of a civil service list, candidates must have civil service status in the title of Housing Assistant to be considered.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, click on the link below:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/psb/100_1.pdf

Additional Information:
1. This position is open on a direct transfer (lateral) basis only. It is not open as a promotional opportunity.
2. This vacancy is for a title which is normally filled through the Automated Transfer List System (ATLS). However, employees applying to this location via the Automated Transfer List System (ATLS) must reapply to this vacancy posting to be considered for this position.
3. Employees applying for transfer opportunity must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).


Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum qualification requirements before applying to this position.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or

2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in housing management at a development or developments containing at least 150 apartments, performing any one or a combination of the following duties: interviewing applicants; determining eligibility; gathering and evaluating information to resolve complaints; collecting rents; and/or resolving tenant related problems; or

3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described in "1" or "2" above. Undergraduate college credit may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of satisfactory full-time experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent
EXPERIENCE IN WHICH TASKS PERFORMED ARE PRIMARILY CLERICAL, SECRETARIAL, RECEPTIONIST, AND/OR ACCOUNTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. EXPERIENCE THAT INCLUDES ONLY INCIDENTAL CONTACT OR INTERACTION WITH TENANTS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Foreign Language Requirement
Oral proficiency in a foreign language required by New York City's Housing Authority. Such proficiency must be demonstrated by passing an oral test.

1. Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Russian OR Cantonese/Mandarin. 2. Strong written and verbal communication skills. 3. Ability to network, develop, and maintain relationships. 4. Strong organizational, planning and analytical skills. 5. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, scheduling, project management, presentations. 6. Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.