Community Organizer jobs in Rhode Island

About Us

Westbay Community Action, Inc. is a nonprofit, multi-service agency serving the needs of Kent County residents since 1966. We provide people with connections to grow through our services, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.

Summary

Westbay Community Action has an immediate opening for a community health worker to assist and advocate on behalf of shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain a safe discharge destination, including but not limited to permanent housing. The community health worker plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The community health worker uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after a safe discharge destination has been established and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position also serves as a general housing resource for households served in other WBCAP programs.

This is a full-time, 37. 5-hour/week position. The workweek is Monday through Friday, 12:00pm - 8:00pm and the rate of pay is $26 per hour.

Westbay offers a competitive benefits package including paid vacation, sick, and personal time as well as 14 paid holidays. Other benefits include life, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401k with company match and more.

Join our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the community. Apply today!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field required
• One year experience working with low-income individuals and families including, but not limited to, individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults
• One year experience working with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), preferred
• Pass a BCI clearance

Specific Duties

Please note that the duties listed may not include all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this job.

• Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. Provides participants with listings of potential housing and/or safe discharge destination options
• Utilizes the HMIS system for maintaining and reporting clients’ data
• Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
• Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed
• Assists participants with housing applications, including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status
• Assists participants in calling the Coordinated Entry System (CES) if it is determined that a safe discharge destination is needed prior to obtaining housing
• Provides tools to encourage self-sufficiency
• Develops and run groups related to obtaining housing, employment and other client needs
• Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval
• Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with the participant(s)/sub-tenant
• Works with supervisor and specialists to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment
• Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.
• Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies
• Attend collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions
• Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, and WBCAP guidelines
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of clients
• Develop a case plan with client involvement, including specific outcomes
• Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities
• Engage available family and community support systems if available
• Provide supportive counseling and advocacy
• Determine client eligibility for services and assist clients in completing applications
• Make appropriate referrals and follow up on the referrals, coordinating services with other community resources
• Participate in client conferences
• Prepare and maintain accurate client records
• Prepare data and enter it into the agency's data system
• Attend trainings and meetings as needed
• Educate the general community about the services of Westbay
• Participate in public policy forums whenever possible
• Provide reports as required

Westbay Community Action, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person