Housing Specialist - Bronx Homeworks
BALTIC STREET AEA INC.
Summary
The Peer Housing Specialist is responsible for providing supported housing services to adults diagnosed with mental illness in the Bronx. Join an innovative agency providing services through empowerment.
Job description
Essential Functions
- Assist residents in finding and keeping preferred housing.
- Facilitate group meetings, workshops and training sessions which includes sharing your own recovery story/experience with consumers.
- Establish and maintain good rapport and working relationships with residents.
- Contribute to the formulation and implementation of individual housing support plans.
- Aid and encourage residents to meet the established goals of their housing plans.
- Encourage resident decision-making.
- Report problems and behavioral changes to supervisor.
- Provide information, referrals, and advocacy.
- Work cooperatively with all internal and external entities.
- Ensure the protection of all clients' civil liberties, rights and property.
- Attend all staff meetings.
- Document all contacts, in writing, in case files.
- Maintain accurate, up to date case files and other reporting requirements.
- Participate in supervisory meetings.
- Visit apartment sites at least once per month.
- On call responsibilities, where applicable.
- Ensure clients are transported to needed services in a timely manner.
- Maintain valid American Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR/First Aid certification, if applicable.
- Maintain and protect the confidential nature of all matters related to this position.
- Participate, when appropriate, in agency training sessions.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Certified with the Academy of Peer Services or completion of certification within the first two months of employment.
- Experience in housing assistance, case management or human services.
- Familiarity with affordable housing initiatives such as Section 8 and public housing.
- Familiarity with housing software and databases, such as AWARDS.
- Knowledge of local housing laws and policies, including the Fair Housing Act.
- Ability to travel by mass transit, bus and subway, up to 6 rides in a day.
- Able to climb and descend up to 6 flights of stairs.
- Able to walk distances of up to 8 blocks from office to mass transit, or to client apartments.
- Driver's license a plus.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Certified with the Academy of Peer Services or completion of certification within the first two months of employment
- Experience in housing assistance, case management or human services
- Familiarity with affordable housing initiatives such as Section 8 and public housing
- Familiarity with housing software and databases, such as AWARDS
- Knowledge of local housing laws and policies, including the Fair Housing Act
- Ability to travel by mass transit, bus and subway, up to 6 rides in a day
- Able to climb and descend up to 6 flights of stairs
- Able to walk distances of up to 8 blocks from office to mass transit, or to client apartments
- Driver's license a plus
Company overview
Baltic Street AEH Inc. is a pioneering peer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health recovery and advocacy, operating primarily in New York State. Founded in 1996, the organization has grown from a single program to 17 comprehensive service programs, establishing itself as the largest peer-led mental health agency in New York State. The organization operates on a fundamental belief that individuals can and do recover from mental illness, working tirelessly to reduce stigma and alienation associated with mental health diagnoses. Baltic Street provides holistic, person-centered support through community advocacy, self-help programs, housing assistance, educational services, employment support, and wellness planning. Their unique approach employs a staff primarily composed of peers with lived mental health experiences, creating authentic connections and mentorship opportunities. The organization has been recognized by the New York State Office of Mental Health with the Commissioner's Community Care Award for their exceptional contributions to the mental health system. With over 25 years of dedicated service, Baltic Street has evolved from a modest team to over 100 full-time, part-time, and trainee staff members, serving thousands of New Yorkers through evidence-based peer support services that foster positive relationships based on empathy, trust, hope, and health.