Senior Housing Specialist, GBHI

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.: Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral healthcare organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn to prioritize serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to under-served racial and ethnic minority communities in Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

JOB SUMMARY: The Sr. Housing Specialist provides housing support and referrals to individuals experiencing housing instability, including those with substance use disorders and their families. Responsibilities include ongoing community outreach—such as shelters, probation programs, and halfway houses—to assess housing needs, guide participants through housing options, and assist with applications to secure and maintain stable housing. The role also includes connecting participants to Medicare and other public benefits to support long-term stability.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

· MINIMUM: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related degree required.

• MINIMUM: Three (3) years of experience in housing case management, eviction prevention, or tenant advocacy.
• Familiar with 2010e applications
• Strong understanding of NYC low-income housing programs, particularly options and pathways for young adults seeking independent or congregate housing.
• Experience working with diverse populations facing systemic barriers, including formerly homeless, undocumented, or justice-involved individuals.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

OUTREACH, CLIENT RECRUITMENT, SCREENING & INTAKE

• Conduct weekly street and community outreach to shelters, drop-in centers, halfway houses, probation sites, and community-based organizations to identify and engage GBHI program participants.
• Perform screenings and risk assessments to determine eligibility and immediate housing needs.
• Actively recruiting eligible participants from high-need communities, leveraging partnerships with local organizations, health centers, and outreach events.
• Implement engagement strategies to retain participants in the program and ensure continuity of care and housing support.
• Completely required GBHI program documentation, including GPRA and follow-up assessments.

HOUSING ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

• Conduct comprehensive housing needs assessments, including evaluation of income, eviction risk, and barriers to stable housing
• Develop and regularly update individualized housing stability plans
• Assist with HRA 2010e applications and make referrals based on Letters of Determination.

HOUSING PLACEMENT & RETENTION

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of NYC housing options, including NYCHA, Section 8, HPD lotteries, and emergency housing resources.
• Support GBHI participants in locating and securing appropriate housing, including transitional, supportive, and permanent housing.
• Guide participants through all housing applications, document gathering, and eligibility verification processes.
• Provide coaching for housing interviews, landlord engagement, and conflict resolution.

LANDLORD & BROKER RELATIONS

• Build and maintain a directory of landlords and brokers.
• Collaborate with realtors to identify suitable, affordable apartments.
• Coordinate apartment viewings and inspect units for HUD habitability compliance.
• Negotiate necessary repairs and lease terms on behalf of clients.
• Assist with lease signings, moving arrangements, and setting up utilities.

BENEFITS LINKAGE, CASE MANAGEMET & SUPPORT SERVICES

• Connect participants to public benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, and housing subsidies.
• Engage and enroll participants in all available resources, including Medicaid and other entitlement programs.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to support independent living (budgeting, cleaning, cooking, etc.).
• Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Coordinate services with external providers, including healthcare, employment programs, and legal aid.
• Monitor medical compliance and facilitate case conferences with collateral providers to support client stability.
• Assist clients in securing furniture and household items (beds, tables, dressers, etc.) through HASA’s Establishment of Household (EOH) grants.
• Track all referrals and follow up to ensure service linkage and completion.
• Support recertification and maintenance of all benefit programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Document all services within 24 hours in the eCR system.
• Travel up to 50% for community outreach, home visits, and client appointments.
• Attend GBHI and community events assigned.
• Perform other related duties as needed based on the needs of the program.
• Assist with lease signings, moving arrangements, and setting up utilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of NYC housing systems and public benefits
• Experience with housing-insecure populations, substance use, and mental health
• Strong outreach, engagement, and case management skills
• Effective communicator with strong documentation and organizational abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic case record system
• Able to work independently in the field and manage a mobile caseload
• Culturally competent, trauma-informed, and client-centered

Pay: $27.48 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Housing Case Management: 3 years (Required)
• Completed GPRA or Similar Program assessments: 1 year (Required)
• Recruited participants via community outreach: 1 year (Required)
• Worked with homeless/undocumented/justice-involved: 1 year (Required)
• NYC low-income housing programs: 1 year (Preferred)
• Assist with lease signings, and setting up utilities: 1 year (Preferred)
• completing 2010e Application: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person