Housing Specialist - Liberty Plaza

Job Title: Housing Specialist Classification: Non-Exempt Reports to : Director of Social Services Location: Jamaica, Queens Status & Hours: Full-time, five days a week; the schedule may include a weekend day and/or night shift. The schedule will be discussed during the interview process and upon hire. Flexible hours are also required.

Who We Are: Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. If you believe a steady home can be the start of everything else, you’ll fit right in with our mission-first team.

Lantern was also recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York - a great place to do meaningful work with people who care!

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Housing Specialist to support clients in securing permanent housing and achieving greater self-sufficiency. Housing Specialists are part of an interdisciplinary team and work closely with shelter and case management staff to support clients through the housing placement process. The Housing Specialist is responsible for orienting clients to the housing search process, providing instruction on apartment searches, interviews, and housing applications, and facilitating connections to housing opportunities.

The role also includes escorting clients to housing-related appointments and providing direct support during the move-out and transition to permanent housing. The successful candidate will have prior experience working with homeless and/or vulnerable populations.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Conduct housing intake and assessment interviews for new clients. Ensure compliance with DHS timelines for permanent housing placement. Complete the housing components of service and independent living plans, including updates as needed.

Support Case Managers with HRA-2010E applications and required documentation. Prepare housing reports and collect statistical and demographic data for funders. Facilitate client workshops on the housing process and skills needed to secure and maintain housing, including budgeting and credit education. Develop housing resources and educate clients on available subsidies, vouchers, and benefits.

Escort clients to apartment viewings, housing-related appointments, and lease signings. Support clients through the move-out and transition process, including applications for one-shot deals and moving assistance. Document all housing-related counseling, referrals, escorts, and discharge planning activities. Participate in housing meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, and required trainings.

Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience: High School Diploma, HSE, or GED required. Minimum of two (2) years of experience related to housing application and placement. Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or low-income populations.

Strong relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to work evening and/or weekend shifts on a rotating schedule. Prior experience working in a homeless shelter is preferred. Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and homelessness service systems.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred. Work Environment: This job operates in a shelter environment and works with a population that may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/ or kneel.

Occasionally, the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.