Consumer Advocate, Safe Options Support (SOS), Staten Island

Breaking Ground • New York, NY

20h • $21 - $21

About The Position

Breaking Ground is seeking a Consumer Advocate for its Safe Options Support (SOS) program in Staten Island. SOS supports people experiencing homelessness on streets and in public transit locations by connecting them to services addressing immediate needs and supporting their transition to stable housing. The program relies on cross-system collaboration for data sharing, care plan coordination, and access to community-based resources.

Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, Safe Options Support, the Consumer Advocate works with people experiencing street homelessness and chronic medical conditions. The role aims to engage clients in appropriate social and medical services, improve their health and wellbeing, and help them secure appropriate housing. Using motivational interviewing, the Consumer Advocate builds relationships and encourages clients to work toward self-identified housing, health, and other goals.

Most of the shift is spent in the field, traveling by automobile and/or on foot to conduct street outreach, accompany clients to appointments, and follow up on service referrals. The role also includes conducting assessments, supporting self-directed service planning, and entering required information into databases.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of local benefit agencies, such as Public Assistance, and familiarity with substance use, mental health, immigration, and employment resources.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Valid NY, NJ, or CT driver's license and a good driving record as defined by Breaking Ground.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and/or immigration issues, and willingness to appropriately use that experience to build client rapport and develop service connections.
• Bilingual.

Responsibilities

• Engage with identified people experiencing homelessness and living with chronic medical conditions in Staten Island.
• Use lived experience, when applicable, to build rapport with clients and develop appropriate service connections.
• Conduct required assessments.
• Attend clinical supervision and training.
• Maintain records in compliance with agency standards and City and State agency requirements.
• Collaborate with the Parks Department, NYPD, DSNY, MTA, and other agencies.
• Accompany clients to appointments and follow up on service referrals.
• Enter required data into required databases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED