Brief Description (essential functions of job):

Under the supervision of the Director of Constituent Services, the Housing Specialist is responsible for providing housing services to older adults, which may include advocating on behalf of older adults in housing court, conducting housing search,  processing applications, monitoring safety conditions, advocating for programs and services, preparing statistical reports and records, and performing related duties.

• Assists local seniors with housing related issues including: conducting home visits; conducting housing search and application; assessing safety conditions; and monitoring progress.
• Advocates on behalf of Boston’s older adults in housing court and through landlord/tenant mediation.
• Responds daily to emergency housing situations.
• Advocates on behalf of the Elderly Commission and Boston’s older adults for increased affordable housing.
• Effectively communicates and promotes Elderly Commission programs through community outreach and engagement.
• Conducts presentations about housing related policies and issues.
• Collaborates with housing team and Elderly Commission staff around complex housing cases (i.e. hoarding)
• Collaborates with City departments and outside agencies around individual housing cases and housing related issues.
• Prepares, maintains, updates, and compiles a variety of operational and statistical data, records, reports, and files.
• Maintains updated electronic database of client information as well as housing sites/contacts, etc.
• Processes application for housing services, ensuring client accurately answers appropriate areas.
• Evaluates eligibility according to established criteria and refers to appropriate agencies.
• Complies with the City of Boston Policies/Procedures protecting client information and the confidentiality of the information in accordance with the Federal and State regulations.
• Assists with Commission events as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

• At least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the support of human service programs, including social work, customer service, and/or office work.
• Associate’s degree may count for up to one (1) year of required experience, and bachelor’s degree may count for up to two (2) years of required experience
• Knowledge of city, state and federal housing policy and programs preferred.
• Experience with Senior Housing programs highly preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, management companies, community organizations and older adults highly preferred.
• Strong advocacy and presentation skills highly preferred.
• Ability to work independently highly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong problem solving ability.
• Ability to give team feedback; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Proficient computer skills highly preferred.
• Compliance to documented policies and procedures.
• Experience in typical office software systems (Microsoft Office or equivalent) preferred.
• Bilingual highly preferred.
• Travel throughout Boston may be required in support of the position’s responsibilities.
• Must have and maintain a current Massachusetts Driver’s License.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI check Required

Boston Residency Required.

Terms: Union /Salary Plan-SEIU/ED11

Hours per week: 35