Senior Citizens Advocate

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 Supportive Housing Program provides permanent and affordable supportive housing to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, children and families, and low-income community residents. Each tenant in the program holds his or her own lease and is protected by all the statutes that apply to any New York City tenant living in a rent-stabilized apartment.

Overview

The Senior Citizen Advocate provides support services as defined by regulatory contracts and Community Access guidelines to assigned program participants including assisting with defining personal, vocational and educational goals. The Senior Citizen Advocate also provides assistance to program participants using a person-centered model that supports individuals in their recovery, hopes and opportunities.

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) – Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented practice.
• Must be cleared through CA Background check process (Justice Center, OCFS, etc.)
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred. Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent upon specific needs of tenants.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs.

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. www.communityaccess.org