Tenant Advocate and Organizer

Job Description

Job Description

Hybrid: 4 days in office/1 day remote

(Remote day cannot be on Thursdays. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Thursdays from 11am-7pm)

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Tenant Advocate and Organizer will help lead and organize advocacy efforts for individuals who previously experienced and are currently experiencing homelessness that are tenants and residents living in Urban Pathways’ supportive housing and safe haven program locations. The Tenant Advocate and Organizer will help drive forward initiatives that promote education and advocacy for tenants and residents. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to expanding opportunities for resident voices to be heard, facilitating monthly tenant association meetings across multiple programs overseeing and facilitating the use of Tenant Association budgets, compiling and analyzing monthly program and budget reports, participating in the agency’s direct-action campaigns, nonpartisan civic engagement efforts and other opportunities that promote advocacy for the population we serve. The Tenant Advocate and Organizer will be a dedicated individual with lived experience or who has direct knowledge of the needs of people experiencing homelessness, NYS and NYC policy advocacy, as well as outreach efforts to underserved populations. The Tenant Advocate and Organizer will be an active listener and provide high quality customer service and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Working with program staff and residents, schedulesmonthly Tenant Association and Advisory Board meetings to be held at program locations.
• FacilitatesTenant Association and Advisory Board meetings with residents and providestechnical support.
• Requires travelingalmost dailyto supportive housing sites that are often 20 or more minutes walking distance from train stations.
• Maintainsand organizesdata and conductsperiodic assessments and evaluations to trackprogress on tenant advocacy initiatives.
• Completesgroup progress notes using the spirit of Motivational Interviewing and uploads them into our client management system, AWARDS.
• Monitors the useofallocatedfunds by Tenant Associations and Advisory Boards.
• Produces and analyzes monthly programmatic and fiscal reports for the tenant association/advisory boards.
• Plans andtakes theleadoneventsand activities(such as cook-outs, trips to baseball games, movie nights)that are hostedby the Tenant Association or Advisory Board.
• Assistswith providingleadership training and skill development to tenant and resident leaders.
• Conducts outreachtoresidents togain participation inTenant Associations and Advisory Boards.
• Assists Policy Department withcoordinating andorganizing advocacy activities and events,and the consumer advocacy group,as needed.
• Engage residents in nonpartisan voter registration, education, voter campaigns, and otheradvocacyprograms.
• Possesses a desire to ensure that tenants’voicesare heard; verbally communicates and advocates in a respectful manner.
• Accompanyresidentstocommunity events and advocacy activities, as needed.

Performs all other duties as assigned and required.

Administrative

• Maintainaccuratemeeting notes and attendance records for all Tenant Association and Advisory Board meetings.
• Maintains andsubmitsall necessary documentation, reports, and data accuratelyin a timely mannerand as required by Urban Pathways.

Community Relations

• Develops andmaintainsconstantrelationshipswith Urban Pathways staff and residents.
• Developandmaintainpositiverelationships with community groups.

Communication

• Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner.
• Facilitates/attends staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions, asrequired.
• Responds to all communications including telephone,emailand other oral and written inquiriesin a timely manner.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Possess lived experiencewithhomelessness orliving with a mental illnessispreferred.
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced homelessness or who are living with a mental illness preferred.
• Experience conducting community organizing or related workin formal or volunteer capacity.

• Tenant organizing or housing advocacy experienceis a plus.

• Experiencefacilitatinggroups and leading meetings.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Peer Specialist preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge ofvirtual and in-personorganizing.
• Experience and passion for community organizing.
• Excellentinterpersonal skills and ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive person-centered approach.
• Experience inworking with diverse communities.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, (one-on-one and group dynamics), cultural competency, strong listening skills.
• Flexibility in schedulerequiredto occasionally work evening and weekend hours.
• Ability totravelby public transportation throughout New York City.
• Commitment to Urban Pathways’ mission and to uplifting the voices of people with lived experiences of homelessness and mental health disorders.
• Proficiencyin Google Suite & Microsoft 365, Videoconference, & technical online skills.

Capabilities

• May berequiredtoworka flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Ability to use public transportation to visit various sites within the five boroughs and other areas.

• This position requires a lot of movement, including walking long distances.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees.

These benefits include:

• Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
• Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
• Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.