Housing Advocate

Breaking Ground (NYC Permanent Supportive Housing); New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Breaking Ground (NYC Permanent Supportive Housing) is seeking a Housing Advocate to support residents in permanent supportive housing programs. This on-site role involves helping applicants navigate applications, eligibility requirements, and referrals to housing services while coordinating with case managers and property teams in the New York City metropolitan area.

The Housing Advocate conducts intake and needs assessments, explains residents' rights and responsibilities, and documents

Qualifications

• Strong advocacy and client support skills for diverse populations.
• Experience in navigating housing systems and social services is beneficial.
• Commitment to housing justice and person-centered support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and needs assessments for residents and applicants.
• Assist individuals with applications, eligibility, and referrals to housing programs.
• Collaborate with case managers, property management, and service providers to coordinate services.
• Document services, outcomes, and progress in program records.
• Support crisis intervention and contribute to a safe, inclusive environment.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Case coordination

Time management

Team collaboration

Housing systems knowledge

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Office software

Job description

Company Description

Breaking Ground is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness through a proven housing model that serves individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. The organization develops and operates supportive and affordable housing, pairing safe, secure homes with on-site services that address psychosocial, mental, and physical health needs. Breaking Ground currently operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, as well as additional sites in upstate NewYork and Connecticut. Its Street to Home outreach and transitional housing programs focus on people experiencing long-term street homelessness, helping them move indoors and remain stably housed. Supportive housing created and managed by Breaking Ground is widely recognized as a cost-effective, long-term solution to chronic homelessness.

Role Description

The Housing Advocate is a full-time, on-site role based in the New York City Metropolitan Area, supporting residents and prospective tenants in Breaking Ground’s permanent supportive housing programs. This role involves providing housing-focused advocacy, assisting individuals in navigating applications, eligibility requirements, and referrals to supportive and affordable housing. The Housing Advocate conducts intake and needs assessments, helps residents understand their rights and responsibilities, and collaborates with case managers, property management, and service providers to maintain stable housing. Day-to-day tasks include coordinating with community partners, accompanying residents to appointments when needed, and documenting services, outcomes, and progress in accordance with program standards. The Housing Advocate also participates in team meetings, supports crisis intervention when appropriate, and contributes to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all residents.

Qualifications

• Strong advocacy and client support skills, including interviewing, needs assessment, and case coordination.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations, colleagues, and external partners.
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple cases, documentation, and follow-up activities.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and build relationships with community organizations and service providers.
• Familiarity with housing systems, social services, and benefits programs in NewYork City is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated commitment to housing justice, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered support.
• Proficiency with basic office software and electronic record-keeping; ability to learn agency-specific databases.
• Experience in social services, supportive housing, homelessness services, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant education such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work on-site across the New York City Metropolitan Area as needed and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.