Careers

Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Operations and Technology

About the Role: The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping the homeless population. To assist its 90+ employees in meeting those needs, the Coalition supports a dynamic, heterogeneous network from its downtown New York headquarters. As a member of the Coalition’s Information Technology Department, the IT Manager is responsible, under the supervision of the Director of Operations and Technology, for the design, purchase, maintenance, operation and security of the organization’s information systems and network, including voice, data, and security services and systems, and for ensuring that the IT needs of Coalition staff are consistently met. The IT Manager performs all job duties consistent with the mission and goals of the Coalition for the Homeless.

Responsibilities Include:

The IT Manager shall:

• In conjunction with the Director of Operations and Technology and the Network Administrator, form a cohesive team that responds to the technology needs of individual staff members and of the organization as a whole;
• Manage and maintain the organization’s IT systems, networks and infrastructure;
• In conjunction with the Director of Operations and Technology, develop and manage IT-related projects and initiatives;
• Oversee software, hardware, and systems procurement, installation, and maintenance;
• Develop an effective computer imaging solution to ensure timely deployment of hardware to staff;
• Ensure that requests for IT support from staff are addressed in timely and professional manner, and directly provide support for IT issues as needed;
• Immediately respond to urgent or emergency IT, network or other department matters, and promptly troubleshoot and restore services;
• Assist with the development and maintenance of disaster recovery and business continuity plans;
• Supervise, train, and evaluate IT staff, providing regular guidance, direction, and oversight;
• Participate in weekly staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development activities, as directed;
• Perform all other duties as may be assigned by Director of Operations and Technology, Executive Director, or designee.

Requirements:

Salary: $100,000

APPLY NOW

People of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Coalition for the Homeless is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Programs
Reports to: Director of Emergency Relief Services

About the Role: The GCFP Outreach Specialist provides direct crisis services to the homeless population served by the Grand Central Food Program and works to engage and provide direct services to the street homeless population. The GCFP Outreach Specialist provides services including but not limited to, providing appropriate referrals and advocacy particularly in regard to immediate needs and shelter related issues, as well as providing assistance in obtaining and retaining public benefits and entitlements, and assisting with access to health, mental health, and substance use/dependence services. The position works collaboratively across teams and organizations to achieve this goal. The GCFP Outreach Specialist performs job duties consistent with the mission and goals of the Coalition for the Homeless.

Responsibilities Include:

The Outreach Specialist shall:

• Provide outreach services to street homeless clients served by the Grand Central Food Van at least three times per week;
• Act as liaison between the Grand Central Food Program and street homeless clients by encouraging them to avail of services offered by the Coalition for the Homeless and other service providers;
• Work to develop networks with outside service providers that could serve to enhance the resources available to meet client needs;
• Educate and support clients in the process of advocating for their shelter rights and benefits;
• Escort street homeless clients to relevant outside appointments when necessary in order to advocate for clients and to ensure that appropriate benefits are received;
• Engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities.
• Prepare and review HRA 2010e and other appropriate housing applications
• Drive our GCFP vehicles while conducting outreach/serving meals.
• Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Emergency Relief Services or designee.

The schedule for this position will include two days in office (9am to 5pm) and three days in the office/food distribution route (3pm to 10pm).

Requirements:

Salary: $55,000

APPLY NOW

People of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Coalition for the Homeless is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Operations
Reports to: Manager of Operations

About the Role: The Commercial Building Superintendent is responsible for all maintenance and janitorial services at the Coalition for the Homeless’ operational headquarters on Fulton Street, including the maintenance of building systems and equipment and ensuring that the needs of Coalition staff and clients are being met as they pertain to the building facilities. The Commercial Building

Superintendent ensures that all building structures, systems and equipment are consistently maintained to provide a safe, secure, and sanitary environment for all staff, tenants, and visitors. The Commercial Building Superintendent provides basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other repair services to ensure that the building is in good repair and well-maintained. The Commercial Building Superintendent is the onsite building manager responsible for the proper operation, maintenance of all building systems and equipment, including heating systems and boilers, and serves as an in-house technical expert. The Commercial Building Superintendent oversees janitorial staff, and is responsible for ensuring all areas inside and outside the building are always clean and well-maintained. In addition, the Commercial Building Superintendent serves as the primary point of contact for all Coalition staff on matters pertaining to building operations and maintenance.

The Commercial Building Superintendent, as assigned by the Manager of Operations and/or Director of Operations & Technology, is responsible for ensuring that janitorial and facility maintenance tasks are completed by maintenance staff efficiently and effectively and on a regular schedule, and coordinates the

supply and maintenance inventory, monitors building equipment including HVAC systems and boilers, and is responsible for general building repairs. The Commercial Building Superintendent performs job duties consistent with the mission and goals of the Coalition for the Homeless, and ensures compliance, at the direction of Management, with all relevant government contracts and regulatory laws, rules, and regulations.

The schedule for this role will be Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.

Responsibilities Include:

The Commercial Building Superintendent is expected to:

• Perform general building maintenance services including: cleaning of all offices and restrooms, trash disposal, glass cleaning, metal surface cleaning of bathrooms and elevators, dust mopping and wet mopping, carpet shampooing, floor stripping, and waxing and buffing;
• Supervise maintenance staff and ensure performance of general building maintenance duties including: cleaning of all offices and restrooms, trash disposal, glass cleaning, metal surface cleaning of bathrooms and elevators, dust mopping and wet mopping, carpet shampooing, floor stripping, waxing and buffing;
• Responsible for maintaining building systems and exterior for safety and cleanliness, including: roof, façade, mechanical room, boiler room, and basement;
• Responsible for sidewalk outside the building, including cleaning, washing, and trash and snow removal;
• Coordinate trash and recycling pickups with sanitation companies;
• Responsible for basic building repairs to include: plumbing, electrical, sheet rock, plastering, and painting;
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all maintenance-related supplies and equipment, and maintain adequate stock and timely reorders of supplies within agreed-upon budget;
• Maintain the building in such a manner as to prevent issuance of violations by any City agency (DOB, FDNY, Sanitation, DOH, etc.) due to building conditions, trash, ice or snow accumulation, etc.;
• Consistently maintain appropriate and professional conduct and interactions with clients, Coalition staff, vendors, visitors others;
• On a regular and consistent basis, ensure that janitorial services are provided throughout the building, including sweeping, mopping, waxing, vacuuming, dusting/polishing, including but not limited to, office and bathroom cleaning, and trash disposal;
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a Preventative Maintenance Program for building and equipment including, but not limited to, boiler/heating units, exhaust fans, hot water heaters, sprinkler/fire alarm systems;
• Determine method and source of repairs required and assist in developing bid specification documents for work to be performed by contractors;
• Assist Management in determining the cost-benefit of contract versus in-house maintenance, including cost estimates for all such work, and prioritize maintenance projects;
• Serve as primary agency contact onsite with maintenance and service contractors, including an evaluation of the stated needs and work the contractors propose to perform, as well as, supervise all contractors engaged in installation, repair, operation, testing and/or maintenance of building systems and equipment;
• Supervise and perform preventive maintenance duties as authorized for building systems and equipment, to include boilers, HVAC AC units, hot water heater and valves;
• Conduct routine inspections of the entire building, including systems and equipment, and recommend method and/or source of repair as necessary and assigned;
• Exercise work safety procedures including handling of hazardous materials/wastes and compliance with safety codes and regulations;
• Assist Fire and Life Safety Director with inspections of fire alarm and other safety/security equipment and perform maintenance as required. Assist with periodic fire drills;
• Provide occasional coverage at Coalition’s two residential properties, Bridge Coalition and Coalition Houses, when needed and as instructed;
• Maintain and record important documentation, such as inspections, service plans, log books, weekly reports and/or service summaries such as, cooling tower testing and sidewalk shed inspections;
• Work collaboratively with Security staff to ensure safety in and throughout the building, as needed;
• Attend regular supervision with the Director of Operations & Technology or Manager of Operations or designee;
• Attend Administration staff and other meetings;
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Operations & Technology, Manager of Operations or designee;
• Remain on-call to respond to afterhours or weekend emergencies.

Requirements:

(Work Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and may be occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift objects up to 75 pounds. The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderately quiet to moderately noisy depending on the task being performed.)

Salary: $60,000

APPLY NOW

People of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Coalition for the Homeless is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Advocacy
Reports to: Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns

About the Role: The Lead Organizer will build and support a base of leaders living in New York City shelters. A key member of the Advocacy Department of the Coalition for the Homeless, the Lead Organizer will be responsible for the Coalition’s organizing efforts inside New York City shelters. This includes base-building, outreach, and leadership development to promote participation in planning and policymaking that affects the lives of homeless people. The Lead Organizer will work closely with other staff to support the Coalition’s policy priorities, including our campaign to build more housing affordable for homeless and extremely low-income households.

NOTE: This position is currently funded for three years. Continued employment beyond three years is contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities Include:

Working under the direction of the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns, the Campaign Coordinator will:

Membership Recruitment and Relationship Building:

• Conduct base-building and achieve targeted recruitment goals through regular community outreach, particularly outreach at New York City shelters
• Support leaders within shelters to recruit other residents
• Help members address systemic issues in their shelters and engage them in shaping and advancing the Coalition’s legislative and budget campaigns
• Maintain regular contact with current and potential leaders
• Facilitate referrals to the Coalition’s various programs, including crisis services and shelter-monitoring, to help address issues faced by people living in shelter.

Support campaigns, meetings, and events:

• Conduct regular phone-banking to engage and mobilize people to attend meetings, actions, and events and achieve targeted turnout goals
• Work with leaders to help them mobilize other residents at their shelters for meetings, events, rallies, and voter engagement
• Assist with preparing leaders to speak, lead chants, and serve in other roles at events and actions
• Support the logistical and programmatic needs of membership & leadership meetings, including working with members to co-facilitate meetings
• Work with other Advocacy  team staff to integrate organizing work with existing client groups
• Work with the Advocacy team and members to develop campaign and coalition strategies.

Leadership Development:

• Identify potential leaders at different shelter sites and increase their leadership and organizing skills
• Conduct trainings & education to build the knowledge and skills of the membership base about policymaking that impacts their lives
• Help prepare members in advance of lobby days and lobbying meetings.

Other Duties:

• Liaise with other departments and programs of the Coalition to provide updates and communicate about issues raised by members
• Obtain regular supervision with the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns
• Participate in weekly staff and other meetings as directed, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities
• Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns.

Requirements:

• At least three years of professional community organizing experience on behalf of homeless and/or low-income people required
• Experience working with homeless people is a plus
• Demonstrated success in both leading high turnout direct actions or events and cultivating leaders
• Must have a deep commitment to social justice and, in particular, identifying and addressing the systemic and bureaucratic obstacles encountered by unhoused individuals
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and comfort speaking to new people
• Basic familiarity with office software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Google Workspace apps, and Zoom
• Able to stay up-to-date with a large volume of emails
• A desire to work as part of a team to develop strategy, plan, and reflect on what is working well and what needs to be improved to reach our shared goals
• People who have experienced homelessness are strongly encouraged to apply
• This is an on-site position requiring work in the office and in the field. At least three days per week, the work schedule will be 11:00am – 7:00pm to support organizing in shelters. You may choose to work these hours five days per week, or to work 9:00am to 5:00pm on the other two days. Occasional later evening and weekend work is also required.
• Physical Demands:
  • This job primarily operates in both an office environment and in shelters, and occasionally in public and outdoor spaces at all times of the year.
  • Must be able to travel constantly by public transportation to multiple locations across New York City and move around in buildings that are not ADA-compliant.
  • Requires standing for long periods of time, long periods of computer and/or telephone work, and moving between standing and seated positions.
  • Requires the ability to communicate constantly with people, maintain a conversation or dialogue, and exchange accurate information in these situations.
  • Must be able to operate a computer, smart phone, and copy machine.
  • Occasionally requires lifting and carrying items up to 10 lbs.

Salary: $65,000-$70,000

APPLY NOW

People of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Coalition for the Homeless is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Advocacy
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy

About the Role: The Supervisor of the Shelter Rights Monitoring Team (“Supervisor”) will be a dedicated advocate for unhoused individuals and families in New York. A key member of the Advocacy Department of the Coalition for the Homeless (“Coalition”), the Supervisor will play a critical role in ensuring the City’s compliance with Callahan v. Carey, which established the legal Right to Shelter in New York, and applicable state and local laws and policies governing shelters operated by, or under contract with, the City’s Department of Homeless Services (“DHS”).

This role will entail managing a small team of Coalition staff members focusing on monitoring, and conducting outreach at, DHS shelters (“Shelter Specialists”). The Supervisor will also visit shelters throughout the City as part of formally scheduled daytime joint inspections with DHS as well as unscheduled visits, in order to document violations and other problems. Together with the Shelter Specialists, the Supervisor will engage with shelter residents for the purpose of providing referrals to Coalition programs and, as appropriate, communicating directly with the Coalition’s legal counsel and/or City staff to immediately resolve residents’ problems. In collaboration with other Advocacy Department staff (including the ENACT Supervisor who oversees the Coalition’s work with unhoused asylum seekers and other new arrivals) and the Coalition’s legal counsel, the Supervisor will establish priorities and goals for monitoring and related advocacy. The Supervisor will also help organize, support, and mobilize shelter residents for various campaigns and events.

Responsibilities Include:

Working under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy, the Supervisor will:

• Programmatic Work
  • Conduct monitoring of shelters during daytime, evening, nighttime, and weekend hours as needed, to assess and document: (a) problem conditions; (b) compliance or lack thereof with the legal right to shelter, other court orders, and applicable State and City regulations and agency procedures (collectively, “Shelter Legal Obligations”); and (c) the needs of residents
  • Work with DHS to develop the schedule of regular joint inspections of DHS shelters
  • Schedule and maintain shared department calendar to reflect inspections to be performed by Shelter Specialists
  • Identify the need for, and schedule, unannounced inspections
  • Review data collected by Shelter Specialists for trends and other compliance issues
  • Work with Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy to identify and update data collection tools and fields to increase effectiveness of monitoring work and ability to advance goals of Advocacy Department
• Management Duties
  • Assist in the training and orientation of Shelter Specialists and fellow members of the Advocacy Department, including but not limited to accompanying staff on field visits and ensuring they understand the rights of shelter residents
  • Review and revise Shelter Specialists’ reports to DHS for clarity, grammar, spelling, and accuracy of citations to applicable Shelter Legal Obligations
  • Supervise the day-to-day activities of the Shelter Specialists, including visits to shelters
  • Facilitate regular meetings with the Shelter Specialist team which may, in coordination with the ENACT Supervisor, occur jointly with members of the ENACT team
  • Meet with each Shelter Specialist separately for regular supervision
  • Complete various administrative tasks for each Shelter Specialist, including probationary and annual reviews, reviewing and approving timeslips, and approving time off requests
• Advocacy & Policy Development
  • Advocate for individual needs of shelter residents as necessary and possible during field visits
  • Provide shelter residents with information and referrals, as appropriate
  • Document individual and systemic problems relating to shelter residents for follow-up with DHS as directed
  • Communicate with DHS regarding compliance with Shelter Legal Obligations and track communications to ensure the agency responds and, when appropriate, corrects issues identified by Coalition staff
  • Work with Advocacy Department staff and Coalition’s legal counsel to provide litigation support, which may include identifying and liaising with potential plaintiffs for affirmative cases or to otherwise defend and expand the rights of homeless individuals and families
  • Identify issues for systemic advocacy based on data collected and other information learned from Shelter Specialists, other Coalition staff, or partner agencies
  • Collaborate with Director of Research and Policy Development to highlight issues in State of the Homeless or any other Coalition reports
• Community Engagement
  • Assist the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns with (a) the development and implementation of the Coalition’s campaigns; (b) organizing shelter residents and formerly-homeless individuals and families for the purpose of City and State-level advocacy on a range of public policy issues that impact homeless and low-income individuals; and (c) engaging shelter residents to inform Coalition’s policy agenda.
  • Together with other Advocacy Department staff, help organize, support, and guide the Client Advisory Group (“CAG”), a key tool for organizing homeless and formerly-homeless individuals and families
  • Attend and actively participate in CAG meetings
  • Engage in public education activities identified by the Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy
• Other Duties
  • Liaise with other departments and programs of the Coalition to provide resource materials and increase awareness about the work of Shelter Specialists and to include other staff in Advocacy Department campaigns and events
  • Obtain regular supervision with the Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy to review team operations, policy, and other issues/concerns
  • Participate in weekly staff and other meetings as directed, such as meetings with DHS, in-service trainings, and staff development and orientation activities
  • Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy

Requirements:

• BA/BS required, with a strong preference for coursework in social work, human services, legal studies, or a health discipline
• At least three years of relevant advocacy, case management, and/or organizing experience on behalf of homeless and/or low-income people required, with at least one year of experience supervising staff or volunteers desirable
• Experience working with unhoused communities is a plus
• Must have a deep commitment to social justice and, in particular, identifying and addressing the systemic and bureaucratic obstacles encountered by unhoused individuals
• Excellent oral advocacy, writing, editing, computer (particularly Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Zoom), and analytical skills as well as a desire to work as part of a team required
• Ability to work some evenings, nights, and weekends required
• Physical Demands:
  • This job primarily operates in both an office environment and in shelters, and occasionally in public and outdoor spaces at all times of the year
  • Must be able to travel by public transportation to multiple locations across New York City and move around buildings that are not ADA-compliant
  • Requires some standing for extended periods of time, extended periods of computer and/or telephone work, and moving between standing and seated positions
  • Requires the ability to communicate constantly with people and exchange accurate information in these situations
  • Must be able to operate a computer, smart phone, and copy machine
  • Occasionally requires lifting and carrying items up to 10 lbs

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION. 

During the probationary period, the Supervisor will be required to work in the Coalition’s office five days a week (which in office time includes any visits to shelter facilities). Once the probationary period is over, the Supervisor will be able to work on a hybrid schedule each week consisting of at least four days in the office (or in the field monitoring shelter facilities) and one day remote.

Salary: $75,000- $82,000

APPLY NOW

People of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Coalition for the Homeless is an Equal Opportunity Employer.