Housing Benefits Counselor

Position: Housing Benefits Counselor
About CIDNY:
The Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) is the leading organization serving and representing people with disabilities in New York City. CIDNY's mission is the removal of barriers to full integration of people with disabilities. CIDNY helps people with disabilities to gain the skills and obtain the services they need to live independently in the community and advocates for fair and effective policies that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. CIDNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Basic Function:
The Housing Benefits Counselor will assist consumers in locating affordable housing options in NYC, helping them understand their rights in getting reasonable accommodations and home modifications, and providing advocacy services in order to resolve current housing issues. The housing benefits counselor will also conduct a regular housing workshop and outreach throughout NYC.

Education and Training:
BA or BS degree with at least 2 year of experience with locating and securing affordable housing in NYC, or AA degree with at least 5 years of experience.

Specific Duties:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local housing laws, policies, and practices.
• Understanding of how various housing issues impact people with disabilities.
• Identify housing opportunities for unstably housed individuals and work directly or indirectly with individuals who need services to avoid institutional placement or to transition from institutions to the community.
• Identify landlords, public housing, private housing, rental units, housing developers, and rental management companies that may be suitable for current and future consumers.
• Maintain a list of available housing in the region, including the degree of accessibility, location, proximity to services, and rental costs.
• Assist in the completion of applications, help prepare consumers for housing interviews, and ensure secure housing outcomes.
• Stay current on benefits and services available to consumers.
• Conduct comprehensive assessment relevant to consumer housing needs, particularly as it relates to the ability to maintain and/or retain independence in the community.
• Collaborate with consumers to create plans of service and periodically review the plan for adjustments.
• Ensure all client data and service provider details are current and accurate
• Comply with all confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete all required paperwork for consumer files as per agency policy.
• Assist consumers in the development and exercise of self-advocacy skills and independent living skill-building through active involvement in the achievement of service goals.
• Act as a liaison and/or advocate with other service or benefits providers for consumers.
• Contribute as needed to the organization’s systems-based advocacy programs by communicating observed barriers/successes related to benefits and services available to people with disabilities, participate in selected advocacy activities, and/or identify consumers who are representative of certain systems-based advocacy issues.
• Participate in community outreaches, presentations, and workshops, as assigned.
• Attend agency’s in- service training and unit meetings, as well as, any other agency related activities and off-site trainings.
• Perform other program-related duties as assigned

Experience:

• Excellent advocacy, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills required.
• In addition, the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.
• Must be computer literate of basic Microsoft Programs and have the ability to learn new applications and database systems quickly.
• Respectful and comfortable with persons from different backgrounds.
• Understanding or experience with disability-related issues.
• Multilingual preferred.
• Ability to travel throughout NYC and Albany.

Travel Demands:
Temporarily remote due to COVID-19. Job responsibilities will require the individual to travel throughout NYC and Albany.

Equipment Operated:
Computer/Laptop, Phone, Printer/Copier

Working Environment:
The office is located in Manhattan and Queens, N.Y. but job responsibilities require individual to travel.

Other Information:
We conform to all laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Number of Employees Directly Supervised:
0

Supervised by:
Director of Consumer Services

Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Paige Munson, Director of Consumer Services at pmunson@cidny.org. Do not send applications by fax. Please use the job title as the email header. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.