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Housing Advocate

Staten Island, NY (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=56+Bay+Street+Staten+Island+NY+USA+10301) • Behavioral Health

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Title:Housing Advocate

Department:Behavioral Health

Reports To:Community Health & Diversion Services Coordinator

PositionStatus: Full-Time

FLSA Status:Non-exempt

Pay & Benefits:The pay range for this role is generally$46,300 - $51,300annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. Additionally, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid time off (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, and sick time), medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits including employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI)drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

CHASI’s Next Step Resource and Recovery Center is a hub for people and families struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and substance use. The Next Step Center is a caring, energetic recovery support community for Staten Islanders in all stages of recovery from dependency on drugs or alcohol.

The Housing Advocate is responsible for the provision of services and referrals on behalf of clients with opioid use and polysubstance use disorders to ensure the stabilization of their current housing conditions, facilitate expeditious placement for those in need of permanent housing, and assist clients in becoming self-sufficient.

In this dual role, the Housing Advocate will also serve as aSocial Care Referral Coordinator, accepting and managing referrals for housing and tenancy services. This includes providing case management support to address rental and utilities arrears, coordinating home modification and remediation needs, and connecting clients to appropriate social care resources that promote housing stability and overall well-being.

Key responsibilities include conducting housing retention intakes and assessments; developing individualized housing stabilization plans; providing and coordinating direct services in alignment with those plans; and maximizing housing tenure. The Housing Advocate must be knowledgeable about the full range of housing options available to individuals with substance use or co-occurring disorders. The role also requires building and maintaining strong relationships with housing providers, prospective landlords, brokers, agents, and property management companies. In addition, the Housing Advocate will collaborate with community partners to develop and maintain a comprehensive housing resource manual with services available on Staten Island and throughout the other boroughs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Conduct initial and ongoing housing needs assessments with referred clients, members of the Next Step Resource and Recovery Center, Peer Training Institute, and their families.

+ Initiate and complete the process to secure decent, affordable permanent housing, including preparation and submission of the 2010E housing application.

+ Serve as theSocial Care Referral Coordinator, receiving and managing referrals for Housing and Tenancy Services through the CHASI Social Care Network, including case management for rental and utility arrears, home modification, remediation, and other tenancy supports.

+ Assist clients in building the skills and supports needed to maintain their households and finances, perform activities of daily living independently, uphold the terms of their leases, and prevent avoidable evictions.

+ Intervene and provide crisis mitigation strategies to maximize tenant safety and security.

+ Assess and promote ongoing linkage to medical, behavioral health, and community support services, including intensive case management for those with multiple needs. Communicate and coordinate housing-related activities with referring program staff to ensure continuity of care and service connection.

+ Research, identify, and catalog current housing options locally and across boroughs for individuals in recovery, including those with specialized needs such as mental health support, family housing, or safety-related accommodations.

+ Develop and maintain aHousing Readiness Assessmentand individualized housing stabilization plans.

+ Establish and maintain relationships with housing providers, landlords, brokers, agents, and property management companies to expand housing opportunities.

+ Communicate, engage, and advocate on behalf of clients to support housing stability and self-sufficiency.

+ Prepare timely, accurate weekly and monthly data for program and funder reporting requirements.

+ Participate actively in team meetings, supervision, and case conferences.

+ Collaborate with community partners to contribute to a comprehensive housing resource manual for Staten Island and the surrounding boroughs.

+ Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

+ High School diploma or equivalency required; college degree and/or CASAC strongly preferred

+ At least 2 years of relevant experience working with persons with a history of substance use, mental illness, or homelessness

+ At least 1 year of work experience in the area of housing placement or housing advocacy

+ Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

+ Computer literate in word processing, email, and ability to navigate the Internet

+ Effective communication skills, including the ability to follow instructions, listen, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally; able to organize thoughts logically and explain themselves clearly

CHASI is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.