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Olmstead Housing Specialist - Buffalo
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What they do
A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
$51,718 / year median in New York
+13% projected growth
Job Description
JOB OVERVIEW
JOB TITLE
Olmstead Housing Specialist
DEPARTMENT
Transition Services, Olmstead Housing Subsidy
LOCATION
Buffalo, NY.
DIRECT
Transition Services Coordinator
SUPERVISOR
GENERAL
JOB DESCRIPTION
Assist individuals seeking eligibility for housing subsidies to transition from institutional setting to the community. Work as part of a coordinated Independent Living service team.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Identify housing opportunities for individuals who are in need of housing in order to leave a nursing home, as well as for those who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
2.Assist eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through all steps necessary for enrollment, including filling out housing applications, obtaining household goods and/or support for moving expenses, arranging unit inspections, etc.
3.Work with applicants and/or the individual's Transition Specialist, Service Coordinator
(SC), Nursing Home Discharge Planner, Care Manager (CM), natural supports, or advocate in order to ensure that a support services plan is in place for program enrollment.
4.Conduct follow-up after subsidy is initiated, including but not limited to, verifying occupancy of unit and continued eligibility for program.
5.Work to identify landlords, public housing and private housing in the region which may be suitable for individuals enrolled in the OHS program in the future.
6.Maintain a list of available housing in the region, including degree of accessibility, location, proximity to services and rental costs.
7.Track and report on all activities using the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) statewide project database.
8.Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in WNYIL's
Electronic Consumer Record (ECR), within two (2) working days of the date of service.
9.Attend Agency's in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency
- related activities as required.
10.Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
11.Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Associate degree in a related human services field
OR
Bachelor's degree in a related human services field
Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
(if required)
- Two (2) years of work experience in a related human services field is required.
- Professional experience in housing, community organizing, Independent Living, long
- term care and/or disability rights are strongly preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Must have reliable transportation in order to travel independently throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
- 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
Office/ Community
ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL
Sitting for extended periods of time.
DEMANDS OF
Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.
THE JOB
HOURS / SHIFTS
37.5
- 40 hours per week. M
- F 8:30 am
- 5:00 pm.
Overtime is rarely required.
CLASSIFICATION
Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
Salary:
$40,000
- $41,500
Agency provided group health insurance.
Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.
BENEFITS
PTO and paid holiday package.
403(b) retirement with Agency match.
Employee Assistance Program
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee
safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease
Prevention Protocols.
OTHER
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:
September 16th, 2026 Cover Letter and Resume Required to:
Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main Street.
Buffalo, NY 14214 employmentwnyil