9.17.2019
WILC/PILS are consumer controlled nonresidential centers for independent living, which provides information and advocacy to persons with disabilities. WILC/PILS operates a Regional Resources Development Services Program (seven counties). The goal of this Program is to develop home and community-based services and supports needed by individuals and family members who experience a disability.
POSITION: Housing Specialist: Regional Lead
HOURS: Full time, 35 hours per week, with benefits
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC), Housing Specialist will act as the regional lead and provide housing specialist for the OHS program, serving the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester and working with Westchester Disabled on the Move, Resource Center for Accessible Living, Taconic Resources for Independence and Rockland Independent Living Center as auxiliary ILC(s).
- Regional Lead Housing Specialist (RLHS) will work collaboratively with Open Doors (MFP) program staff to identify individuals in nursing homes that are eligible for the Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS). RLHS will help identify strategies and goals for local outreach, and identify partnerships to be developed, both statewide and locally.
- Westchester Independent Living Center will hire the full complement of staff as outlined in the attached budget. Any proposed changes to the budget, including the staffing complement, must be approved by NYAIL prior to implementation. As part of the hiring process, ILC will identify a lead staff who will interface with NYAIL throughout the project.
- RLHS will accept referrals from nursing facilities, transition specialists, local administrators, consumers, family members, landlords, advocates and from NYAIL. RLHS will assign a housing specialist from their region (include ILC and auxiliary ILCs) based upon location of participant and availability. RLHS will monitor caseloads to ensure maximum productivity of housing specialists.
- RLHS will determine OHS eligibility and if appropriate, will search for housing that will meet the needs of the individual including affordability and accessibility. RLHS will follow OHS procedures for inspection of property and approval of subsidy.
- The assigned housing specialist will work with participants to identify needed community transition services (CTS) such as security deposits, utility deposits and essential household furnishing. ILC will follow OHS procedure for approval of CTS. RLHS will provide CTS and will bill fiscal intermediary as per OHS procedures.
- RLHS will utilize the database, created by NYAIL, to provide information about contacts, participant needs and services provided. ILC will have technology available to OHS staff sufficient to complete web-based reporting in database.
- RLHS will use outreach materials provided by NYAIL.
- RLHS staff funded through this MOU will avail themselves of training developed by NYAIL. ILC will identify training needs of its OHS staff, so that NYAIL can incorporate the information in scheduled training.
- RLHS will complete all reporting requirements for OHS, as developed by NYAIL. This includes but is not limited to timely submission of invoices, request for tenancy approvals and community transition services requests.
- RLHS will document and share with NYAIL barriers encountered that hinder stable housing. ILC will gather information from auxiliary ILCs about barriers encountered. With NYAIL and other OHS providers, RLHS will suggest solutions to NYAIL that will be provided to the New York State Department of Health to address barriers.
- ILC/RLHS will ensure all staff entering areas where patients/clients/residents/consumers might be present, including institutions, clinics, and homes, will either be vaccinated for the current influenza season or will have on file a signed agreement that the staff will wear a facemask. ILC will maintain a record of proof of vaccination for each staff person and provide a copy of this documentation to NYAIL.
- RLHS will provide technical assistance to auxiliary ILC(s) in their region as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated abilities in written and oral communication skills
- Ability to use word processing computer programs
- Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and insurance coverage
- Experience working with people with disabilities a plus
- Knowledge of Housing/Rental options
Email Resume and Cover letter to: mnunziato@wilc.org
Persons with disabilities, women, and minority individuals are strongly encouraged to apply
