Affordable Housing Specialist, Civil Justice Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking an Affordable Housing Specialist for our Civil Justice Practice (CJP) to assist clients in identifying and accessing affordable housing options, subsidies, and programs.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

BDS’ Civil Justice Practice aims to reduce the collateral and direct civil consequences from legal system involvement and provides representation in Housing and Benefits, Education, Employment, and other matters in in administrative and civil court proceedings and advocate with various agencies to help clients remain in their homes, maintain their public benefits, protect their consumer rights, and reclaim their NYPD-seized property, navigate school bureaucracies regarding disability rights for students, transfers and other school issues and assist people in their employment by communicating with employers and attending hearings and arbitrations. CJP also serves as a resource to BDS’ other practice areas, advising attorneys, clients, and other staff of potential ramifications of criminal and family court involvement.

The Affordable Housing Specialist will work directly with BDS clients facing housing instability or in need of relocation assistance, support individuals and families applying for, or struggling to use, housing vouchers and programs, complete affordable housing lottery applications, advocate with agencies including the New York City Housing Authority and the Human Resources Administration and provide guidance and direct assistance in conducting an individual housing search. The role also involves community engagement and development of guides and materials as well as engagement in policy and advocacy around affordable-housing related matters.

Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and resources about housing options and rental programs in New York City.
• Help clients in shelter, facing eviction, and otherwise in need of relocation navigate these programs and secure permanent affordable housing.
• Facilitate client application and approval for housing vouchers and subsidies and advocate directly with landlords, brokers, and agencies to connect clients with suitable vacancies.
• Maintain and develop internal resources and contacts with private housing providers and government programs.
• Provide expertise and case-specific advice and assistance to BDS staff members across practices.
• Work to curb housing discrimination and expand access to affordable housing by tracking trends and translating client experiences into policy initiatives and advocacy.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Desire to have a high level of interaction with BDS clients who are facing eviction or houselessness and provide compassionate assistance.
• Strong project and time management skills, and a demonstrated ability to both lead and work collaboratively with others.
• Second language proficiency a plus.

Position Information

This is an exempt, salaried position in the Collective Bargaining Unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn. BDS has an in-person requirement for this position which will be three-days per week, in addition to meeting clients in person when needed. The in-person requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $54,000-$62,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions

Click HERE to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by February 28, 2025.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, HR, Christina Wallace at cwallace@bds.org.