Tenant Activity Specialist (West 140th)

GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER•New York, NY

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

Goddard Riverside’s West 140th Residence provides affordable, permanent supportive housing for 48 previously homeless adults with mental illness, substance use disorders, and other co-occurring disorders. The program offers on-site services including case management, entitlement assistance, medical and psychiatric care, substance use counseling, group activities, recreation, and 24-hour front desk security. The Tenant Activity Specialist is responsible for planning and leading assigned activity groups using a strengths-based, client-centered approach to support social support, inclusion, skill development, wellness, and recreation. The goal is to reduce social isolation, support rehabilitation services, and promote community among tenants to maintain permanent housing.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Experience working with homeless or formerly homeless individuals preferred
Experience supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring disorders preferred
Experience developing, implementing, and facilitating group sessions strongly preferred
Must be able to obtain a New York State Food Handler’s License within 6 months of employment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written)
Strong organizational skills with creativity and flexibility
Ability to engage clients effectively and build rapport
Understanding of Housing First philosophy
Team-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel
Ability to use or learn databases such as AWARDS

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field preferred
CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) certification preferred, particularly for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree

Responsibilities

Develop and implement group curricula that promote inclusion, wellness, education, recreation, and skill building based on tenant interests and needs.
Facilitate therapeutic activity groups such as cooking, laundry, and daily living skills that promote independence and community within the building.
Create and maintain a program schedule and calendar of activities, events, and trips.
Facilitate monthly tenant advocacy meetings and incorporate feedback into programming.
Coordinate recreational events, cultural outings, and community trips to encourage socialization, inclusion, and reduce isolation.
Partner with outside providers (e.g., CASAC, psychotherapist, nutritionist, nurse, blood pressure monitor) to deliver wellness and health education groups.
Coordinate outdoor and seasonal activities (e.g., gardening, cookouts).
Prepare and serve nutritious meals for program participants when required.
Provide escorts in the community to support wellness, independence, and housing stability.
Offer groups that promote training, education, and vocational readiness.
Foster opportunities for tenants to strengthen social relationships and community engagement.
Collaborate with the Social Service Team and Case Managers to ensure programming aligns with tenant goals and service plans.
Carry a small caseload of tenants, providing direct support in maintaining housing stability.
Assist tenants in procuring and maintaining entitlements, medical and psychiatric treatment, and community resources.
Escort tenants to health, housing, and benefit-related appointments as needed.
Provide ongoing emotional support and crisis intervention when necessary.
Collaborate with tenants to set goals, monitor progress, and adjust service plans accordingly.
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner in accordance with agency policies and funding source requirements.
Maintain accurate records of tenant participation in groups, case management notes, progress, and incidents.
Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, HIPAA, and agency protocols.
Participate in audits, reviews, and quality assurance processes as required.
Work as part of the interdisciplinary Social Service Team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive services.
Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Communicate effectively with colleagues, tenants, and outside providers to support tenant progress.
Support new staff and interns as needed.
Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all tenants and staff.
Support tenants in developing and improving daily living, coping, and social skills.
Assist with crisis prevention and intervention to ensure tenant and community safety.
Uphold all agency policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the provision of high-quality social, recreational, and educational services.