PD Housing Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Community Access was founded in 1974 to provide housing and support for people being discharged from psychiatric institutions. Today, we are one of the leading providers of supportive and affordable housing in New York City, and the originators of an integrated housing model which has become a best practice nationally: affordable housing where families live alongside people living with mental health concerns. Our staff work daily to support thousands of New Yorkers through supportive and affordable housing, peer-driven residential crisis support programs, training, advocacy, supported education, mobile treatment and other healing-focused services.

Program/Department Description

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.

Position Overview

The Per-Diem Housing Counselor has the primary objective to oversee the assigned site in the following areas: ensuring physical plant safety and security; meal preparation and coordination; 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.

Key Performance Indicators

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

• Enter documentation during each shift including:

1. Medication monitoring log
2. Front Desk log, including shift change summaries at end of shift
3. Incident Reports as needed on the day of the incident
4. 100% of progress notes for individual and group work done with residents are completed 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 Food Handler Certificate or be able to obtain this within 90 days of hire.
• 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. Interested candidates should apply on

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.