LaStarr Riley

Phone: 917-***-****, Email: ad1208@r.postjobfree.com

Relevant Work Experience

BRC- Bronx, NY 05/2023 - Present

Housing Specialist

Conduct immediate and comprehensive assessment of permanent housing needs for all residents upon their transitional housing program enrollment. Develop an individualized housing plan for each resident and obtain necessary consents.

Coordinate all housing-related services and communicate clearly and in a timely fashion to project partners regarding clients’ housing plans and progress. Participate in housing-related case conferences and community-based appointments, as needed.

Complete applications for various housing vouchers and subsidies, affordable and supportive housing applications, and conduct all follow-up work for the applications.

Develop and maintain a housing resource database to assist clients in linking to permanent, housing. Cultivate and maintain relationships with outside agencies, including community-based housing support programs, NYCHA, HRA, realtors, and landlords.

Maintain all confidential information and records. Complete applicable consent forms, documentation and case management notes related to housing plans and housing progress in case records, according to all contractual & regulatory standards.

Participate in monthly program meetings, and other housing related meetings as needed.

Keeps abreast of developments related to city housing policy and initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

Good Shepherd Services- Bronx, NY

Housing Specialist 03/2022 – 03/2023

Worked with residents to develop and implement individualized service plans and goals with a focus on moving out to a more independent living opportunity.

Complete discharge summaries for exiting residents

Provided advocacy and referral to support resident’s complex needs including but not limited to securing benefits, educational/vocational services, independent housing, legal assistance, medical/mental health services and other emergencies.

Provided crisis intervention to residents, diffusing potential crisis situations and taking appropriate action in resolving conflict.

Remained familiar with current Section 8, NYCHA, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), City Fheps, Housing Choice Voucher, and Supportive Housings policy and procedures, and trained team about housing related issues including all housing application matters.

Explained the benefits, advantages and encouraged clients to take advantage of the portability option of section 8 voucher.

Conducted neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas and established relationships with resources that directly provided housing and/or access to suitable housing options for residents.

Identified apartments, landlords and real estate agencies as referral resources for residents and negotiated with landlords to promote renting to participants.

Accompanied participants to apartment viewings and performed housing inspections for relocations into new units throughout NYC and surrounding areas.

Assisted participants in completing Housing Connect, landlord, property management and other subsidized housing applications, including helping to secure needed documentation and accompanying participants to housing briefings.

Assisted with securing resources for security deposit, broker’s fees, moving expenses, furniture, household items, etc.

Steward Management Group- Mount Vernon, NY

Housing Specialist (Temporary) 02/2022 – 03/2022

Relocated residents from one property to another, reviewed and renewed leases, reviewed program vouchers.

Contacted residents regarding rental payments, created additional housing documentation and visited properties to hand deliver tenant notices.

Conducted presentations at local social service agencies such as shelters to acquire tenants.

Worked with individual tenants regarding their housing issues/complaints.

Assisted with entitlement applications when needed such as SCRIE, DRIE, and NYCHA.

Counselled/mediated tenants and building owners/managers on housing issues/repairs.

Handled grievance procedures through HPD and DHCR

Served as advocate and advised tenants of their legal rights in Housing Court including escorting them to Housing Court when needed.

Created, coordinated, and implemented ongoing informational sessions for key stakeholders (I.e., tenants, landlords, etc.)

Help USA- Bronx, NY

Homebase Housing Specialist 10/2021 – 02/2022

Assessed clients' eligibility and determined their housing and service needs.

Assisted clients with the search for available properties and negotiated terms on behalf of clients.

Collaborated with government agencies, community organizations, and property owners.

Ensured clients understood their rights and responsibilities as tenants.

Utilized vacancy rosters provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and other housing providers, identified vacancies throughout the five boroughs and selected possible housing options to which clients could apply for placement.

Reviewed the application package for each client to be sure documents were complete, the psychological evaluation was current, and made the submission to the housing provider.

Performed appropriate follow-up on submitted applications.

Visited housing providers’ facilities to develop and maintain a positive working relationship.

Prepared clients for housing interviews, conducted mock interview sessions, accompanied them on tours of facilities and coordinated/facilitated the referral processes.

Reviewed and updated the tracking system for submitted applications, interviews and selections or denials.

Collaborated with Case Managers and the Entitlements Specialist on housing options for clients.

Safe Horizon- New York, NY

Housing Specialist 10/2019 – 05/2021

Conducted housing intakes and assessments with veterans referred from the Case Manager and other staff to assess housing needs and preferences.

Assisted RRH program with meeting its goal to obtain permanent housing for 51% of program participants within 30 days of admission.

Assisted participants in completing landlord and property management housing applications, including helping to secure needed documentation and accompanying participants to housing briefings.

Provided hands-on assistance to enable participants to find suitable housing, including accompanying them to apartment viewings and conducting neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas.

Advocated on behalf of the participants with landlords and brokers to overcome any issues or challenges to securing suitable housing.

Assisted with securing resources for security deposit, broker’s fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items.

Wrote Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) requests for RRH short-term subsidies for security deposit, broker’s fees, moving expenses, bedding, and household items

Developed and cultivated relationships with community resources, landlords and real estate agencies

Assisted clients with approved 2010es access supportive housing by making housing referrals, contacting providers, and attending housing interviews.

Conducted orientation sessions with new participants to explain housing rules and regulations and lease obligations, as well as housing quality standards and housing assistance policies.

Computed housing assistance payments, tenant rental amounts, utility reimbursements, and rent increases in order to satisfy program guidelines and landlord requests using knowledge of program regulations.

Urban Resource Institute- Bronx, NY

Residential Specialist 03/2018 – 07/2019

Supported clients to complete their activities of daily living.

Worked directly with individual to develop and achieve meaningful life goals.

Documented information and assisted in tracking data with logs and report.

Provided support and direct care to clients and helped to maintain a safe and clean living/working environment.

Transported clients to activities and appointments

Sorted and organized donations of food, clothing, etc.

Conducted room checks as needed and assisted with intake procedures as directed.

Education

University of Phoenix- Jersey City, NJ

Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology Expected 12/2024

Contact this candidate