Advocate
: Job Details :

Housing Advocate Staten Island, NY ( Behavioral Health Job Type Full-time Description Title:Housing Advocate Department:Behavioral Health Reports To:Director, Clinical Services Location:Next Step Resource and Recovery Center, 56 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301 Position Status:Full-Time FLSA Status:Non-exempt Pay Rate: The pay range for this role is generally$46,300-$51,300 annuallycommensurate 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 with or on behalf of clients with opioid use and polysubstance use disorders which ensure the stabilization of their current housing conditions, expeditious placement for those in need of permanent housing placement, and assist clients to become self-sufficient. To conduct housing retention intake and assessment, develop a housing stabilization plan, provide, and coordinate direct services as per the plan, and maximize housing tenure. The Housing Advocate knows the various housing options available to clients with substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders. Develop and maintain relationships with housing providers, prospective landlords, brokers, agents, and management companies. In addition, the Housing Advocate will develop a housing resource manual in collaboration with community providers with resources both on Staten Island and in the other boroughs DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct initial and ongoing housing needs assessments with referred clients and 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 completion of the 2010E housing application Assist clients in increasing their ability to maintain their household and finances, independently perform activities of daily living, uphold the terms of their lease; intervene and mitigate crises; maximize tenant safety and security; and prevent avoidable evictions. Assess and promote ongoing linkage to medical and community support such as intensive case management for those with multiple medical and behavioral health needs. Communicate and coordinate housing activity with referring program staff to ensure connections are maintained Research, identify, and catalog current housing options locally for persons in recovery, including those for persons with specialized needs such as mental health support, family housing, or safety issues Develop a Housing Readiness Assessment Communicate, engage, and advocate on behalf of clients Prepare weekly and monthly data for program reports Participate in team meetings and case conferences Assess family/individual clients to identify appropriate housing opportunities Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI's Mission, Vision, and Core Values Other duties as assigned Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: At least 2 years of relevant experience working with persons with a history of substance use, mental illness, and/or homelessness At least 1 year of work experience in the area of housing placement or housing advocacy High School diploma or equivalency required; college degree and/or CASAC strongly preferred 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.