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Social Services
Social / Human Services Specialist
Jamaica, NY
Find & Apply For Social / Human Services Specialist Jobs in Jamaica, New York
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Director of Social Services Summary The Housing Specialist (Case Manager) plays a critical role in supporting residents in securing and maintaining permanent housing. This position is responsible for developing and implementing individualized housing and service plans tailored to each resident's needs, income, resources, and long-term goals. The Housing Specialist serves as a key connector between residents and community-based services, including mental health care, financial assistance, employment support, and more. This role requires strong case management skills, the ability to manage complex situations, and a deep understanding of housing systems, especially for individuals with health, mental health, or substance use challenges. The Housing Specialist is also expected to promote a safe and supportive environment through consistent engagement, crisis intervention, and program compliance. Key Responsibilities Housing Support Develop and implement Independent Living Plans (ILPs) with a focus on permanent housing goals. Assist residents with housing searches, including providing leads and advocating with landlords and brokers. Guide residents through housing application processes and rental subsidy programs (e.g., DHS housing packets, NYC Housing Lottery). Escort residents to housing interviews, lease signings, and apartment inspections as needed. Enroll residents in DHS CARES and complete/submission of HHAs on their behalf. Case Management Provide regular counseling, crisis intervention, and service referrals. Meet weekly with residents on assigned caseloads to review housing and service plans and adjust as necessary. Assist residents in maintaining enrollment in public benefits programs. Coordinate with the Department of Education to ensure proper school placement and support services for children (ESL/ELL, IEP). Resident Engagement & Support Promote independent living skills including budgeting, nutrition, hygiene, and housekeeping through workshops and one-on-one coaching. Connect residents with employment opportunities and vocational training. Coordinate with immigration service providers (e.g., Mayor's Office of Immigration Affairs) for eligible residents. Conduct weekly room inspections to monitor hygiene and safety standards. Manage resident behavior in accordance with program policies and contribute to a safe, supportive living environment. Administrative Duties Maintain timely and accurate documentation in DHS CARES, including case notes and service updates. Submit incident reports and witness statements when required. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Program Director. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in social services or a related field (e.g., Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Human Relations). Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management, housing services, counseling, or advocacy in a social services setting. Experience working with immigrants and/or understanding of immigration issues is strongly preferred. A minimum of 5 years of case management experience in the past 7 years may be substituted for the educational requirement. Skills & Competencies Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in English is required; multilingual or Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred. Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and basic internet navigation. Basic math skills, including the ability to create simple budgets. Sound judgment and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team. Physical ability to make unit visits, including walking distances and climbing stairs. Experience working with homeless populations or individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions is highly desirable.
