Tenant Activity Specialist (West 140th) at GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER

Description

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

 

Program Description: Goddard Riverside’s West 140th also provides affordable, permanent supportive housing for 48 previously homeless adults of whom have mental illness, substance use, and other co-occurring disorders. Both provides on-site services include case management, entitlement assistance, medical and psychiatric care, substance use counseling, group activities, recreation, and 24 hour/7 day per week front desk security.

 

Position Summary: The Tenant Activity Specialist is expected to plan and lead assigned activity groups using a strengths-based, client-centered approach to support social support, inclusion, skill development, wellness, and recreation to reduce social isolation, to support the rehabilitation services provided and promote community among tenants and maintain permanent housing.

 

Schedule: Monday-Friday (10am-6pm)

 

Salary Range: $44,172 - $51,000

 

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

1. Group Work

• 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.

2. Case Management

• 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.

3. Documentation & Compliance

• 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.

4. Collaboration & Teamwork

• 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.

5. General Responsibilities

• 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.

 

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• Either a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field OR a CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) certification
• Experience working with homeless or formerly homeless individuals (preferred)
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring disorders (preferred)
• Experience developing, implementing, and facilitating groups (strongly preferred)
• Must obtain NYS Food Handlers License within 6 months of employment

 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• 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.

 

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to use or learn databases such as AWARDS.

 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, climb stairs, and travel with clients throughout the city.
• Able to lift 30–50 lbs as needed.
• Alternate between standing and sitting.
• Prepare and serve healthy meals.

 

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular visits to client apartments and some community travel.
• Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center follow CDC and NYS COVID-19 guidelines. All new hires are required to be fully vaccinated unless they have a qualified exemption.

 

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

 

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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