Peer Housing Retention Advocate

Make a difference in someone's life by being Peer Housing Retention Advocate!

Overview: The Peer Housing Retention Advocate provides trauma-informed, housing-first, and harm reduction support services to tenants of the Damien Center’s MRT HRFA program, a scattered site-based, permanent supportive housing program for formerly homeless persons with HIV and other chronic illnesses. This role will serve as the primary connection between formerly homeless persons with HIV/AIDS and case management staff, service providers, and landlords/property managers.

Status: Full Time (37.5 hrs), Hourly, Benefits Eligible. Salary: $44,000 - $47,000 annual

Benefits include:

• 15 paid holidays and generous paid time off
• Health & Dental Insurance – with great coverage and low deductibles
• 403b Retirement plan with employer match
• MetLife life insurance - $50,000
• Flexible Health Spending Account
• Continued Professional Development and Training Opportunities

Qualifications:

1. Associate degree in health or human services field or equivalent training and experience working with populations impacted by homelessness, addictions, mental health issues and/or other barriers to stable housing.

2. Experience with Continuums of Care (CoCs) such as Albany County Coalition on Homelessness (ACCH) or other similar entities, HIV/AIDS community partners and neighborhood resources, and the ability to inform and teach others how to access resources necessary for independent living.

4. Professional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with a wide range of personalities. An understanding of the social constructs that impact those struggling with homelessness and economic instability.

5. Able to work in and grow our agency culture, in a diverse and multicultural setting, providing trauma-informed and harm reduction services to persons of diverse backgrounds.

6. Time management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

7. Effective crisis intervention and conflict resolutions skills.

8. Proficiency in MS Word/Excel/Outlook and E-mail. Familiarity with client services databases such as HMIS and AIRS a plus. The use of the agency Electronic Health Record database is also required.

9. Valid, unrestricted driver's license and independent means of transportation.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists the Housing Retention Specialist with intensive case management to increase housing stability for participants of the Damien Center MRT HRFA program.

2. Provides tenants with individualized peer-to-peer support in their homes—particularly those tenants who may find it difficult to reach out and connect to their community, help tenants learn about and protect their rights and interests.

3. Assists individuals with accessing services, including transportation, for other services (e.g., medical services, psycho-social needs) in absence of, or in coordination with, care coordinators and other case management.

4. Maintains ongoing contact with each tenant and provides crisis intervention to prevent reentry into homelessness. Works with tenants in both one-on-one and group settings facilitating peer supported groups, events and activities.

5. Document and enter engagements and service encounters with tenants into the Electronic Health Records (EHR) and AIRS.

6. Respond to and report all accidents/incidents per policy and provide crisis intervention services/ verbal de-escalation techniques as needed

7. Ensure compliance with Article 27F HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPPA confidentiality for all interactions.

8. Model and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times with all tenants and members.

9. Fully support and grow the Damien Center Pharmacy Program and work to support members in reducing barriers to help each person achieve durable HIV Viral Load Suppression.

10. Supports and participates in a culture of philanthropy by recognizing that fundraising efforts include all staff and are essential to carry out the work and mission of the organization. Secure member stories and assist in fundraising efforts as requested by supervisor.

11. Attend full staff meetings and meet required 24 hours of annual training.

12. Fully engage in self-care to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

13. Other duties and special projects as assigned.

The Albany Damien Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS in an affirming environment and to reduce new infections in the communities we serve.

The Albany Damien Center is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates, women, persons from our LGBTQ community, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and persons formerly homeless.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Human Services: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,000 - $47,000