Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC), is a nationally recognized South Brooklyn based, non-profit community development corporation formed in 1978 whose mission is to advance economic and social justice by building vibrant, diverse communities where residents has genuine opportunities to achieve their goals as well as the power to shape the community’s future. FAC works to transform the lives of over 5,500 low and moderate income New Yorkers annually so that we can all live and work with dignity and respect while making our community more equitable, sustainable, inclusive and just.

To achieve our mission FAC develops and manages affordable housing and community facilities, creates economic opportunities and ensures access to economic stability, organizes residents and workers, offers student centered adult education, and combats displacement caused by gentrification. In addition to our grassroots neighborhood work, we are actively involved in broader coalitions and campaigns.

The Tenant Advocate will work collaboratively with Tenant Organizing & Advocacy staff to provide high quality direct services to tenants, including tenants’ rights workshops, advocacy regarding repairs and landlord harassment, and leadership development for residents of the community. The Tenant Organizer & Advocate will assist in a weekly intake for tenants in need, manage cases, and staff building and community organizing efforts as needed. In addition to working out of FAC’s main office in Gowanus/Park Slope the position will work out of the busy Sunset Park office of FAC’s affiliate, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, as needed which has a small dedicated staff.

This position reports to the Director of Organizing and Advocacy at Fifth Avenue Committee, and s/he will receive on-site supervision and support from the Program Coordinator. The ideal candidate should feel comfortable working independently and collaboratively.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tenant Counseling:

• Provide housing counseling and case management services to tenants facing eviction and/or living in distressed housing;
• Provide referrals to legal services and relevant assistance to tenants facing eviction and/or living in distressed housing;
• Accompany tenants to housing court if they are unable to secure access to legal services;
• Assist tenants with applying for housing related benefits such as SCRIE and DRIE;
• Assist tenants with filing housing related complaint forms with the NYS DHCR ;
• Educate community residents about their rights as tenants, and assess eligibility for public benefits, and other resources;
• Conduct tenant rights workshops at local schools, senior centers, religious institutions and community organizations.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate participant records, enter information in databases in a timely manner, and compile outcomes and deliverables on services for funder reports and special events;

Program:

• Participate in regular staff meetings and professional development activities;
• Assist in grant and contract reporting for private and government funders as needed;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

Community Organizing:

• Provide support for existing building organizing work and identify new buildings for outreach;
• Develop leadership among counseling participants and tenants in neighborhood buildings; encourage community engagement through Inquilinos Unidos, tenant organizing group facilitated by Fifth Avenue Committee;
• Participate and encourage member engagement in local, city-wide and national housing advocacy campaigns;
• Develop and strengthen relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, staff of elected officials and other related institutions.
• Represent FAC and NHN in neighborhood and issue-based coalitions that have relevancy to FAC and NHN’s mission.

Qualifications:

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish required;
• Prior knowledge of NYC tenant rights, tenant organizing, eviction prevention, and/or public benefits required;
• Some exposure to NYC affordable rental housing issues and trends preferred;
• Experience working in a community-based, not for profit setting preferred;
• Comfortable working with low-income, immigrant residents, many undocumented;
• Ability to learn quickly and utilize creative problem solving skills;
• Detail-oriented, able to establish priorities in collaboration with program staff, and meet reporting deadlines;
• Able to work independently in an intimate, fast-paced work environment;
• Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing;
• Computer literacy;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, dignity and social justice;
• Sense of humor, humility and respect;
• Commitment to FAC’s mission.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter and resume by October 31st, 2014 to:

Dave Powell
Director of Organizing and Advocacy
Fifth Avenue Committee
621 DeGraw Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Email: jobs@fifthave.org

Please indicate “Tenant Advocate” in the subject line.

No phone calls, please.

Fifth Avenue Committee is an equal opportunity employer (EEO).

People of color, community residents, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.