Housing Counselor

Housing Counselor

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

The Housing department provides permanent and affordable supportive housing for individuals living with mental health concerns and low-income community residents and families, as well as licensed transitional residential programs for individuals moving from institutions into the community. Services are geared towards assisting people in maintaining their housing and moving forward with their lives in stable community-based environments.

The Housing Counselor has the primary objective to oversee the assigned site in the following areas: ensuring physical plant safety and security; monitoring self-administration of medication; crisis and conflict management; Activities of Daily Living Skills (ADLS) training and coaching; facilitating community building events; and documenting incidents, program log and progress notes.

All key performance indicators below are expected to be met fully.

• Enter complete documentation during each shift including:
• Medication monitoring log
• Front Desk log, including shift change summaries at end of shift
• Incident Reports as needed on the day of the incident
• 100% of progress notes for individual and group work done with residents within 48 hours of contact.

• Make regular building rounds during shift as required.
• Call the Justice Center immediately after serious, reportable incidents.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Must have Fire Guard Certification or be able to obtain this within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to walk up five flights of stairs
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared through a background clearance process.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred. Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent on specific needs of program participants.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as having a personal experience using mental health services.