Job Title: Housing Specialist – Watertown
Dept: Family, Education & Support Services
Reports to: Housing Coordinator
Salary Range: $22.00 – $24.00 hourly
Apply & Submit Resume: recruitment@acrhealth.org
Position Summary: The Housing Specialist works directly with individuals and families facing housing instability, assisting them in finding and securing appropriate affordable housing. This role conducts needs assessments, identifies options, navigates applications, advocates for clients, and connects them with support services to maintain stable housing.
Authority and Independence
The Housing Specialist works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established policies. The role requires maintaining confidentiality, conducting home visits, advocating with landlords, managing client service plans, and handling crisis intervention with cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Associate’s degree in health, human services, or related field; OR three years direct client services in nonprofit social service agency serving diverse populations (e.g., persons of color, LGBTQ+, PWUD, mental illness, homelessness, chronic illness).
- Preferred: Experience in housing services and working with individuals at risk of/experiencing homelessness.
Skills and Competencies
- Cultural/linguistic competence; sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGBTQ+, communities of color, PWUD, marginalized groups.
- Strong communication, documentation, advocacy skills; knowledge of community-based work and partner collaboration.
- Moderate-excellent tech skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, web-based systems.
- Dedication to ACR Health’s mission, vision, values; strict HIPAA/Article 27-F confidentiality adherence.
Other Requirements
- Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable access to insured vehicle for travel/training/outreach/client transport.
Primary Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality per Article 27-F, HIPAA, ACR Health policies; protect agency data/HIV Confidentiality Law.
- Complete/update Housing Risk Assessments; secure affordable permanent housing applications.
- Assist with housing benefits recertification paperwork, income maintenance, essential needs.
- Help clients maximize housing tenure: financial/household management, ADLs, lease compliance, crisis intervention, eviction prevention.
- Advocate/mediate with landlords; conduct monthly home visits, quarterly reassessments.
- Develop service plans with clients, Care Managers, providers; coordinate case conferences/referrals.
- Maintain accurate stats/records; prepare monthly/program reports; submit documentation timely.
- Provide crisis intervention; participate in agency case conferences; re-evaluate care plans regularly.
- Stay current on Medicaid Redesign Team regulations; attend required training.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Housing Coordinator, CPO, or CEO.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off and holiday pay
- Life Insurance.
- 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Watertown Office Hours per week: 35 Work Schedule: Full Time in Office, occasional evenings and weekends may be required for meetings, workshops, outreach, and events.
Disclaimer: This job description provides an overview of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all assigned tasks. Additional responsibilities consistent with the nature and level of the role may be assigned as needed.
