Temp Otda Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Program: Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program – NYC (All Boroughs)
Funder: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
Reports To: Program Director or Director of Housing Services
 

Salary Range: $68,000 to $70,000 Competitive, commensurate with experience

This is a one year assignment with possible extensions

Position Summary:

The Housing Specialist is responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing placements for homeless individuals and families enrolled in our scattered site transitional housing program, funded by OTDA. The specialist will work directly with program participants, landlords, and property managers across the five boroughs to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing options. The role includes housing search, lease negotiation, landlord engagement, housing retention support, and collaboration with case management staff.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Assist program participants in identifying and securing appropriate scattered site apartments in all five NYC boroughs, in accordance with OTDA program guidelines.

• Maintain up-to-date listings of available rental units and develop relationships with landlords and property management companies.

• Conduct housing assessments to determine participant housing needs, preferences, and barriers.

• Guide participants through the housing process, including apartment viewing, application submission, and lease signing.

• Collaborate with case managers and social service providers to support participants in overcoming housing barriers such as credit issues, past evictions, or income instability.

• Ensure units meet housing quality standards (HQS) and assist in coordinating inspections, move-in logistics, and furniture delivery if applicable.

• Monitor housing stability through regular follow-ups with participants and landlords, helping to resolve any issues that may arise.

• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in accordance with OTDA and agency requirements, including housing plans, progress notes, and outcome tracking.

• Educate clients on their tenant rights and responsibilities and promote long-term housing stability.

• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and funder-related compliance reviews as needed.

Housing Logistics & Move-In Coordination

• Coordinate all new apartment setup activities to ensure units are fully move-in ready prior to participant occupancy.
• Order, track, and oversee delivery of furniture packages and essential household items for newly secured apartments, in accordance with program budgets, procurement policies, and OTDA guidelines.
• Coordinate furniture installation and apartment setup, ensuring appropriate placement of beds, tables, seating, storage, and other required furnishings.
• Initiate, coordinate, and follow up on utility setup for new apartments, including electricity, gas, internet, and any other required services.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with furniture vendors, movers, utility providers, and other service partners to ensure timely activation and completion of services.
• Conduct final unit readiness checks prior to move-in to confirm utilities are active, furnishings are complete, and apartments are safe and functional.
• Maintain accurate records related to apartment setup, furniture inventories, utility accounts, and vendor coordination in compliance with agency and funder requirements.

Additional Duties & Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure all housing placements align with OTDA regulations, program contracts, and internal policies.

• Track housing placement metrics and outcomes for reporting to program leadership and funders.

• Support program audits, monitoring visits, and corrective action plans when applicable.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, client privacy standards, and agency data security policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and client success.

 

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Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Urban Planning, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.

• At least 2 years of experience in housing placement, landlord outreach, real estate, or homeless services.

• Knowledge of NYC housing landscape, including public and private housing resources, rental subsidies (e.g., FHEPS, CityFHEPS, Section 8), and OTDA housing guidelines.

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.

• Ability to travel throughout all five NYC boroughs regularly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed and housing-first practices is a plus.