Housing Advocate

Description

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

The Housing Advocate provides housing advocacy, resource navigation, case coordination, and administrative support to individuals and families through the Housing Assistance Services (HAS) program. This role also supports the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) through administrative, program tracking, and HUD related compliance tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Housing Advocate will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide housing advocacy, information, referrals, and resource navigation to individuals and families.
• Assist clients with housing applications, subsidy programs, recertifications, and housing-related documentation.
• Support individuals and families in addressing housing barriers, including benefits concerns and landlord/tenant issues.
• Maintain an organized caseload and ensure timely follow-up, communication, and advocacy efforts.
• Document all case activity, client communication, referrals, and progress notes in accordance with agency standards and timelines.
• Conduct outreach and respond to walk-ins, scheduled appointments, and telephone inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Research and provide information regarding housing resources, community programs, and supportive services.
• Enter, maintain, and track client information within program databases, tracking systems, and electronic records.
• Assist with intake documentation, file maintenance, scheduling coordination, and follow-up activities. 
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation for program tracking, internal reporting, and compliance-related activities.
• Coordinate communication with clients, landlords, contractors, community partners, and outside service providers as directed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, outreach activities, presentations, and community engagement efforts.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information in accordance with agency policies and compliance standards.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Housing Services team. 
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred. 
• Associate’s degree in Human Services or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of full-time related experience will be considered. 
• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of five (5) years of full-time related experience working with homeless, underserved, or vulnerable populations will also be considered. 
• Experience in housing services, case management, advocacy, community outreach, or human services preferred. 
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or older adults preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and time management abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the people we support, families, staff, community partners, landlords, and outside agencies. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to program and compliance requirements. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, databases, and other computer applications. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.

COMPENSTION: $50,000 - $55,000 Annually + Industry-Leading Benefits!

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported by leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.