Community Advocate - Basic Needs Team

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY•City of Rochester, NY

1d•$47,000 - $52,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Advocate of the Basic Needs Team (BNT) provides direct support, advocacy, and resource navigation services to individuals and families experiencing barriers related to housing, public benefits, and other basic needs. This role conducts client intake and assessments, assists clients in accessing appropriate community resources, and maintains ongoing communication to support progress toward identified goals. The Community Advocate develops and maintains strong relationships with community agencies, service providers, housing providers, landlords, care managers, and other stakeholders and represents organization in community settings. This role is responsible for accurate and timely documentation, maintaining confidential client information, and supporting program requirements and initiatives.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Human Services, Public Health, or a related field required
Experience providing case management, advocacy, community outreach, housing navigation, or related human services support preferred.
Experience working with diverse and underserved populations preferred.
Knowledge of community resources, public benefits systems, housing resources, and supportive service programs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to quickly establish rapport and develop effective relationships with clients and community partners.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information with professionalism and discretion.
Excellent organizational, time-management, documentation, and follow-up skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered, culturally responsive, and equitable service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience providing case management, advocacy, community outreach, housing navigation, or related human services support
Experience working with diverse and underserved populations

Responsibilities

Conduct intake assessments to identify client needs related to housing, public benefits, basic needs, and community resources.
Provide clients with information, referrals, advocacy, and resource navigation support based on identified needs.
Maintain ongoing contact with clients to monitor progress, address barriers, and support engagement with services and community resources.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, service providers, care managers, landlords, property managers, and other community partners.
Represent the organization at community meetings, outreach events, collaborative workgroups, and other external activities to promote program visibility and strengthen community partnerships.
Open files for new referrals and enter, maintain, and update client information in required databases and case-management systems accurately and confidentially.
Assist team members with preparing documents and other materials for clients.
Prepare written correspondence, reports, case notes, and other documentation in accordance with program, organizational, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client records and ensure files comply with applicable privacy, confidentiality, and data security requirements.
Utilize Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, to prepare reports, track client information, communicate with clients and staff, and maintain organized records.
Maintain consistent and effective communication with clients, staff, community partners, and other stakeholders regarding client needs, services, activities, and outcomes.
Communicate information clearly and accurately and ensure appropriate follow-up regarding the status and outcomes of assigned responsibilities.