Housing Navigator

Bronx, NY, United States

About Us:

Good Shepherd Services is a leading multi-service agency with more than 85 programs that serve over 30,000 youth and families each year and builds on their strengths to help them gain skills for success. At Good Shepherd we respect the dignity and worth of every person and reject intolerance, inequity and injustice in whatever form it may take. Voted one of the top 100 places to work in NYC by Crains New York, Good Shepherd Services offers a fantastic work environment, a collaborative team dedicated to fulfilling our mission, and an amazing array of benefits. Join our team and help make a difference!

Benefits:

Salary: $55,000 to $61,000

For Full Time Employees Benefits/Perks:

Tuition Assistance Program

Generous paid time off (Including 5 Self-Care Days/Floating Holidays, 12 Sick Days, 15 Vacation Days, and 11 Holidays)

Healthcare Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Care)

403(b) Plan (GSS contributes 3% of your salary to your 403(b) plan after 3 years of service, with contributions increasing over time)

Candidates hired in this position will work in person but will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule when program need allows

Overview:

As a member of the Time Limited Rental Assistance Program, the Housing Navigator must be a driven and creative individual responsible for developing and cultivating relationships with landlords, developers, and property management companies to secure leases in affordable apartments for young adults in the program. The ideal candidate must have a vast knowledge of the NYC housing landscape and active relationship with individuals and entities who have apartments to rent.

Reports to: TLRA Program Director

Primary Location: 1995 Jerome Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 (& NYC/Citywide Area)

Hours: 35 Hours/Week; Exempt (Flexibility for Evenings Required)

**Salary Range is 55k-61K*******

Major Duties of a Housing Specialist:

Conduct neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas and establish relationships with potential landlords, real estate agencies, developers and property management companies that directly provide housing and/or access to suitable housing options for participants

Identify and ensure a constant pool of apartment resources landlords and real estate agencies as referral resources for promote renting to participants.

Perform apartment inspections for relocations into new units throughout NYC ensure compliance with funder mandates.

Work with the young adults and landlords to negotiate leases and other potential housing challenges

Secure leases in young adults names and act as a liaison between landlords and tenants once they move into the apartments

Available for emergencies related to living conditions and crisis and conflicts between landlord and tenant.

Assist team members with securing resources for security deposit, brokers fees, moving expenses, furniture, household items, and ensuring that all required supporting documentation is available upon request.

General:

Participate in supervision, team meetings, case and service plan reviews, and suggested training.

Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model and Stages of Change towards. Actively participate in safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, Roundtable meetings, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.

Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.

Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.

Qualifications for our Superstart Housing Specialist:

Bachelors Degree Required

In Lieu of Bachelors, qualified candidates with High School Diploma/Equivalency plus 2-3 years of experience working the real estate market in NYC.

License as a Real Estate Broker or License as a Real Agent working under the license of a Licensed Real Estate Broker preferred

Knowledge of housing options and programs available required

Ability to work independently and maximize time while conducting field work.

Experience in identifying and overcoming social and economic barriers related to housing needs for those in a lower income bracket.

Demonstrated knowledge of challenges faced by special populations, including mental health disabilities, low income, and homelessness; experience working in a multi-racial, low-income community preferred.

Demonstrated interpersonal flexibility, teamwork, customer service aptitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong organizational and multi-tasking capability, proven ability to achieve results.

Flexible hours to ensure access and availability.

Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development and trauma-informed perspective.

Additional Information:

Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is accessible and accommodating to employees with disabilities. As part of our commitment to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process, we will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the hiring process, please inform us of your needs in advance. We value diversity and inclusivity in our workplace and encourage applicants of all abilities to apply.