ILGR - Housing Specialist (Temporary, 1 Yr.)

JOB OVERVIEW

JOB TITLE:  Housing Specialist 

DEPARTMENT:  Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR)

LOCATION:  Batavia, N.Y.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:  Assistant Director, ILGR


GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

To assist individuals to apply for, and navigate, the programs and services offered through Independent Living, including but not limited to coordinating housing evaluations and program options for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.


SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Meet with individuals to assess housing statuses and their involvement with applicable public benefits. Inform individuals about various programs and provide benefits advisement.
     
  2. Determine eligibility for ESG CV program and complete the required documentation, entering all necessary data into the HMIS data management system.
     
  3. Coordinate budget plans for Rapid Rehousing consumers.
     
  4. Provide peer counseling to persons with disabilities, their family members and advocates for the purpose of identifying life goals, objectives and values.
     
  5. Assist with employment seeking goals.
     
  6. Intervene, at the request of the individual, in crisis situations with agencies and service programs.
     
  7.  Conduct inspections of housing rental units to determine eligibility for Rapid Rehousing Consumers using Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. Conduct home and building architectural barrier consultation, utilizing federal and state guidelines on disabilities.
     
  8. Act as a liaison with housing consumers and landlords, ensuring timely payments and mediating to prevent eviction when possible.
     
  9. Identify housing options and rental units throughout the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County areas.
     
  10. Provide other assistance necessary to help individual’s secure suitable living arrangements.
     
  11. Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in WNYIL’s Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) database within two (2) working days of the date of service.
     
  12. Attend Agency’s in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.
     
  13. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment.
     
  14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

    EDUCATION & TRAINING

Associate Degree in related Human Services
        OR
Bachelor’s Degree in related Human Services

Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.


KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)

  • Selected candidate should possess knowledge of persons with disabilities, as well as federal and state laws pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities.

    SKILLS & ABILITIES

  •  Ability to travel independently throughout the three (3) County service regions as needed (Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming).

  • Select candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, plus have good organization and analytical skills.

  • A desire to advocate for the rights of others is essential.
     
  • Residents of the Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming counties are encouraged to apply.
     
  • Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks.
     
  • Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Office/ Community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:  Sitting for extended periods of time.
Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.HOURS / SHIFTS:  37.5 – 40 hours per week.
M – F  8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Overtime rarely required.

CLASSIFICATION:  Full-time (TEMPORARY until funding is completed, approximately September 2023), salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
Range:  $38,000 - $40,000 with $2,000 completion bonus

BENEFITS:  Agency provided group health insurance.
Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.
PTO and paid holiday package.
403(b) retirement with Agency match.
Employee Assistance Program

OTHER:  WNY Independent Living values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free agency.


POSTING INFORMATION

CLOSING DATE:  April 26, 2023

RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED TO:

Tina Brown, CHRCO
WNY Independent Living, Inc.
3108 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
employment@wnyil.org