Overview
Intake & Outreach Specialist Jobs in Albany, NY at United Tenants of Albany, Inc
Company Overview
United Tenants of Albany (UTA) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving housing conditions and advocating for tenants’ rights in the Capital Region. Our mission is to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing for all, particularly for those facing the greatest challenges.
Summary
The Intake & Outreach Specialist is responsible for providing direct assistance to individuals who wish to file complaints which allege violations of local, state, or federal fair housing and fair lending laws. The Intake & Outreach Specialist collects and assembles information regarding alleged housing discrimination complaints, provides counseling on fair housing rights, and makes appropriate referrals to organizations and/or administrative enforcement agencies. The Intake & Outreach Specialist conducts targeted outreach to organizations, institutions, and agencies regarding fair housing rights and responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage low and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Conduct educational workshops on tenant rights and available resources.
Manage volunteer initiatives to support outreach efforts and community engagement.
Collaborate with local organizations to promote affordable housing initiatives.
Assist in fundraising efforts by identifying potential donors and grant opportunities.
Utilize social media platforms to raise awareness about UTA’s mission and programs.
Monitor community needs and provide feedback for program development.
Support project management activities related to housing advocacy initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides counseling and advice to individuals about their fair housing rights.
Interviews potential complainants and obtains factual, accurate, and complete information concerning alleged fair housing violations.
Obtains and reviews complainants’ documentation and other evidence and assembles intake files.
Regularly meets with the Executive Director and Fair Housing Enforcement Manager to provide information needed to structure investigations in response to complaints received.
Informs complainants about the results of investigations completed in response to complaints received, and counsels complainants about options available for pursuing complaints under fair housing laws.
Works closely with the Fair Housing Enforcement Manager to ensure that complaints are timely and fully jurisdictional.
Makes referrals to organizations and administrative agencies and when appropriate, discusses options with complainants, the Fair Housing Enforcement Manager, and/or the Executive Director/General Counsel.
Implements established procedures for handling, storage and control of evidence obtained from complainants and/or witnesses.
Maintains regular contact with complainants until complaint is resolved or closed.
Provides sworn statements and testimony in depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings.
Conducts outreach and delivers presentations on fair housing to community organizations, institutions, and agencies in the UTA service area.
Development of written materials, and coordinate with colleagues regarding activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and empathically with diverse groups of people and organizations.
Knowledgeable about fair housing laws and issues, housing market practices, and assisted housing programs preferred.
Strong analytical skills.
Highly effective writing and public speaking abilities.
Bilingual English/Spanish language skills strongly preferred.
Reliable, detail-oriented, exceptionally well-organized, and able to work independently
Previous experience in providing training, one-to-one counseling, civil rights advocacy and/or paralegal work preferred.
Commitment to vigorous enforcement of fair housing and fair lending laws.
Familiarity with communities in Albany-Troy-Schenectady metropolitan area strongly preferred.
Passionate advocate for complainants.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
BA/BS degree preferred, but will consider commensurate experience.
Full time employees receive full-health coverage with a high deductible HMO (that high deductible is covered by the organization, meaning you are solely responsible for co-pays), high dental coverage, and basic vision coverage. After 3-years, employees are eligible for Simplified Employee Pension IRA plan covered by the organization.
UTA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and encourage applications from qualified individuals without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, weight, height, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Approximate Salary: $41,514 ($22.81 x 35 hrs per week)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 – $22.81 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Title: Intake & Outreach Specialist
Company: United Tenants of Albany, Inc
Location: Albany, NY
