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RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Job Description

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is comprised of 2,000 employees and with an annual operating budget of over $1 billion is one of the largest organizations of its kind committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City. Collaborating with other public agencies and not-for-profit partners, DHS works to prevent homelessness before it occurs, reduce street homelessness, and assist New Yorkers to transition from shelter into appropriate permanent housing. DHS is responsible for management of over 200 facilities, which mainly are individual and family shelters used as overnight residences for over 38,000 adults and children. DHS’s portfolio covers approximately 4M square feet.

The Division of Shelter Intake is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the agency’s Single Adult, Adult Families and Families with Children’s intake and assessment sites, both directly run and contracted providers. This Division is responsible for ensuring that the City’s most vulnerable population can access shelter, per eligibility criteria, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The Department of Homeless Services is recruiting for one (1) Community Coordinator to function as Resource Specialist, who will:

- Cultivate relationships across diverse communities to provide new opportunities for clients and community based homeless population regarding housing alternatives to shelter. Provide information about these opportunities to staff and support community partners as they provide these opportunities to the homeless population.

- Conduct outreach, interviews, recruitment, and screening for housing alternatives to shelter with primary tenants, landlords, building superintendent, neighbors, other city agencies, institutional settings, private entities, and any other collateral sources of information to obtain relevant information in connection with determining the applicant’s viability for housing within the community.

- Canvas community and engage with community based homeless population to provide DHS shelter referrals and educate about housing options or other resources available in the community through mediation, referrals, meetings, and other methods.

- Gather all applicant information including housing history and income. Review and verify documents provided by the applicant. Perform screening interviews for the single adult applicants. Follow-up with applicant’s past housing resources to determine whether applicant can return to the community. Make an initial recommendation on applicant’s alternatives to shelter based on a total assessment of the individual’s situation.

- Conduct field work, including interviews and meetings with primary tenants, landlords, building superintendent, and neighbors.

- Perform all other necessary screenings of applicants who have housing options or other resources available in the community. Provide an initial assessment of applicant’s psychiatric and substance abuse history and work with a Behavior Health Specialist as needed.

Work Location: 400-430 E. 30TH Street, New York, NY

Hours/Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 4pm - 12am (RDO Sun, Mon)

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Average salary estimate

$70000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$60000K
$80000K

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What You Should Know About RESOURCE SPECIALIST, City of New York

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations? The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is looking for a dedicated Resource Specialist to join our team in New York City! This isn't just a job; it's a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities and provide meaningful housing alternatives to those experiencing homelessness. As a Resource Specialist, you'll cultivate relationships and conduct outreach to connect clients with housing resources outside of shelters. Your role will involve interviews, screenings, and gathering vital information from applicants, landlords, and community members. You’ll be pivotal in ensuring our community members have access to the resources they need to transition into permanent housing successfully. Engaging directly with the community to create opportunities for those in need will be at the heart of your work. If you're someone who loves collaborating and is committed to improving lives, this role might be perfect for you. With a schedule from Tuesday to Saturday, 4 PM to 12 AM, this position allows you to make your mark after traditional work hours. Join us in our mission to reduce homelessness and offer critical support to New York City's most vulnerable populations. Apply today and be part of a dedicated team that believes in empowerment and community connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for RESOURCE SPECIALIST Role at City of New York
What are the main responsibilities of a Resource Specialist at the Department of Homeless Services?

As a Resource Specialist at the Department of Homeless Services, you will be essential in engaging vulnerable populations to provide information about housing alternatives to shelters. Your key responsibilities include conducting outreach, interviews, and screening for housing opportunities, gathering applicant information, and collaborating with landlords and community partners. You'll also perform follow-ups to assess the viability of applicants for housing and work closely with Behavioral Health Specialists as needed.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Resource Specialist position at DHS?

To apply for the Resource Specialist position at the Department of Homeless Services, candidates must have either a bachelor's degree and two years of related experience in community work, or a high school diploma with six years of equivalent experience. All applicants are required to have at least one year of experience in community work, ensuring you bring valuable skills to the role.

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How does the Resource Specialist role at DHS support individuals experiencing homelessness?

The Resource Specialist role at the Department of Homeless Services is crucial in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness by connecting them with housing alternatives. By conducting interviews, outreach, and screening, you will help assess each applican't situation, gather necessary documentation, and recommend housing options that suit their needs. Your work ensures that vulnerable populations can transition from shelters to stable housing.

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What are the work hours for the Resource Specialist position at DHS?

The Resource Specialist position at the Department of Homeless Services operates on a schedule of Tuesday to Saturday from 4 PM to 12 AM. This unique schedule allows you to make an impact during evening hours, directly engaging with clients when they need support the most.

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What kind of community engagement is expected from a Resource Specialist at DHS?

As a Resource Specialist at the Department of Homeless Services, community engagement is a fundamental aspect of your role. You will be expected to canvas neighborhoods, interact with the homeless population, and collaborate with community partners. This means building relationships with landlords, city agencies, and other organizations to ensure that housing alternatives are widely available and accessible.

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Common Interview Questions for RESOURCE SPECIALIST
How would you approach engaging a community to provide housing alternatives?

Highlight your networking skills and previous experience with community outreach. Discuss strategies to identify potential partners and your method for building trust within the community to encourage participation in available housing programs.

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Can you describe your experience in conducting interviews and screenings for applicants?

Share specific examples of past roles where you conducted interviews or screenings, emphasizing your ability to gather detailed information and assess an applicant’s viability for resources or housing effectively.

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What challenges do you think a Resource Specialist might face, and how would you overcome them?

Discuss potential challenges, such as reluctance from clients to share personal information or lack of available housing options. Show your problem-solving skills by suggesting strategies like building rapport with clients and developing strong community connections.

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How do you ensure that your recommendations for housing alternatives are appropriate for each client?

Explain your assessment process, including how you analyze an applicant's individual situation, history, and needs to make informed recommendations. Mention the importance of collaboration with other professionals.

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Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation in a community work setting.

Provide a specific real-life example demonstrating your conflict resolution skills, empathy, and how you managed to navigate the situation while ensuring a positive outcome for all parties involved.

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How do you keep yourself informed about available community resources for homeless individuals?

Discuss the resources you utilize, such as community meetings, online databases, and networking with local organizations. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on housing initiatives.

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What methods would you use to gather housing history and other necessary documents from applicants?

Share your approach to data collection, emphasizing your communication skills and the importance of creating a safe space for applicants to provide personal information willingly and accurately.

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What role does teamwork play in the position of a Resource Specialist?

Highlight the collaborative aspect of the role, discussing how you'll work with various stakeholders, including community members, landlords, and health professionals, to ensure a holistic approach to housing support.

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How would you handle a situation where an applicant is not eligible for available housing resources?

Discuss the importance of compassion and understanding in such situations, explaining that you would provide clear communication of the process while also guiding them towards alternative options or solutions available in the community.

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What motivated you to apply for the Resource Specialist position at the Department of Homeless Services?

Share your personal motivations, whether they stem from previous experiences in social work, a passion for helping those in need, or your desire to contribute to community betterment, showing your genuine commitment to the mission of DHS.

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Our Mission To work to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality-of-life of New York City’s diverse older adults, and for the support of their caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. Strategic Goals To foster independence...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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