The Coalition for the Homeless (the “Coalition”) is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct services organization helping unhoused individuals and families and those at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Coalition believes that affordable housing, sufficient food, and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society. Since its inception in 1981, the Coalition has engaged in litigation, advocacy, public education, and direct services to ensure that these goals are realized.

Along with its aggressive and innovative large-scale advocacy on behalf of homeless individuals and families and its 11 programs serving over 3500 at-risk people every year, the Coalition is the plaintiff in the historic Callahan v. Carey case which established the legal Right to Shelter. In addition, the Coalition is the court-appointed independent monitor of NYC’s primary shelter system for single adults, and the NYC-appointed independent monitor of the primary shelter system for homeless families. On March 15, 2024, the Coalition and NYC entered into a settlement agreement in the Callahan case (“Settlement”) that, among other things, extends the Coalition’s monitoring role to sites serving single adult asylum seekers and other new arrivals who entered the country on or after March 15, 2022 (“New Arrivals”).

Given this expanded role, the Coalition created the ENACT team to monitor NYC’s compliance with the Settlement and to provide case management support for New Arrivals. At this time, the Coalition is seeking ONE passionate, experienced individual to join the Advocacy Department immediately as an ENACT Monitor.

The ENACT Team’s primary duty is to conduct monitoring to ensure NYC’s compliance with its obligations under the Settlement, and support New Arrivals through case management services. The ENACT Monitors will visit New Arrivals shelters and drop-in centers throughout NYC in order to document violations and other problems. In addition, they will engage with New Arrivals for the purpose of connecting them to the ENACT Case Managers and, as appropriate, communicating directly with the Coalition’s legal counsel and/or NYC staff to immediately resolve problems. The ENACT Monitors will also help organize, support, and mobilize New Arrivals for advocacy campaigns and events.

NOTE: It is uncertain how long the temporary framework set forth in the Settlement for New Arrivals will be in effect. Nonetheless, the Coalition is planning to retain ENACT Monitors until at least September 30, 2027 and will modify job responsibilities as necessary should the temporary framework set forth in the Settlement end earlier.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working under the direction of the ENACT Team Supervisor (“Supervisor”) or designee, the ENACT Monitors will:

Monitoring & Advocacy

Conduct monitoring of New Arrivals shelters and drop-in centers to assess and document: (a) conditions; (b) compliance or lack thereof with the Settlement and other applicable court orders and regulations, and (c) the needs of New Arrivals;
Advocate for individual needs of New Arrivals to the extent possible during field visits;
Connect New Arrivals who need additional support with ENACT Case Managers, and provide additional information and referrals, as appropriate;
Document individual and systemic problems relating to the New Arrivals or for follow-up with the applicable NYC agency as directed;
Communicate with appropriate parties regarding compliance with the Settlement and follow up to ensure that issues raised are addressed; and
Ensure all monitoring visits are accurately and timely entered into Coalition databases and other electronic tracking systems as directed.

Community Engagement

Organize New Arrivals for the purpose of NYC and State-level advocacy on a range of public policy issues that impact unhoused New Arrivals and unhoused individuals; and
Together with the Advocacy staff, help develop and implement the Coalition’s organizing campaigns and public education work.

Other Duties

Work with Advocacy Department staff and the Coalition’s legal counsel to provide litigation support, which may include identifying and liaising with potential plaintiffs to enforce the Settlement or to otherwise defend and expand the rights of homeless individuals and families;
Conduct outreach to New Arrivals who have received a notice advising of any denial of shelter or reasonable accommodations, and collaborate with other ENACT Team members to connect them with Coalition’s legal counsel for possible representation or assistance in appealing such determination, as appropriate;
Liaise with other departments and programs of the Coalition to provide resource materials and increase awareness about the work of the Advocacy Department and to include other staff in Advocacy campaigns and events;
Obtain regular supervision with the Supervisor or designee to review department operations, policies, and other issues/concerns;
Participate in weekly staff and other meetings as directed, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities;
Provide internal translation support, as needed;
Assist in the training and orientation of fellow members of the department, including, but not limited to, accompanying department staff on field visits and ensuring they understand the rights of New Arrivals; and
Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor or the Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy.

Requirements

GED/high school diploma and relevant work experience in social services required.
College degree in social work, human services, or health discipline strongly preferred.
Prior direct client services and case management experience, especially with homeless and/or low-income immigrant populations, strongly preferred.
Strong written and oral communication skills required.
Solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills required.
Flexibility and willingness to occasionally work outside of traditional business hours is required.
Desire to work as part of a team required.
Comfort with extensive travel throughout NYC required.
Proficiency in English and at least one of the primary languages of the New Arrivals (which include Spanish, French, Wolof, and Pulaar) strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

This job primarily operates in shelters, as well as in an office environment, 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 the ability to engage in considerable walking, climbing stairs, and being on your feet for extended periods of time.
Requires 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.