What's Happening?
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS), an organization with over 100 years of community service, is actively recruiting for a part-time Housing Associate. This role involves working 20 hours per week, specifically Thursday through Saturday
from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, with a salary range of $19.25-$19.75 per hour. The primary responsibility of the Housing Associate is to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment for both staff and residents within a shelter for individuals. This position emphasizes ongoing and collaborative communication among all program staff and ensuring a trauma-informed care environment. Key duties include overseeing residence operations, conducting intakes for new residents, acting as a liaison with community service providers, providing information and referral services, supervising meal preparation by residents to meet sanitation and nutritional standards, and offering crisis intervention and conflict management. The role also entails significant record-keeping, including client census and database management, and promptly reporting emergency situations to the Residence Manager. Candidates should ideally possess an Associate Degree in Human Services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with two years of experience in human services, crisis intervention, residential settings, or emergency services. A valid New York State Driver’s License is also required.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by Catholic Charities Family and Community Services is crucial for maintaining and enhancing support systems for vulnerable individuals in the community. The organization's commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment, particularly through a trauma-informed care approach, directly addresses the complex needs of shelter residents. The Housing Associate's role in crisis intervention, conflict management, and connecting residents with essential community services is vital for fostering stability and promoting the journey toward independence for those experiencing homelessness or other challenging circumstances. By ensuring proper sanitation, nutrition, and access to resources, CCFCS contributes to the overall well-being and dignity of the individuals it serves. The emphasis on collaborative communication among staff underscores a holistic approach to care, which can lead to more effective and coordinated support for residents. Furthermore, the requirement for experienced professionals in human services highlights the need for skilled individuals to navigate sensitive situations and provide high-quality assistance, ultimately strengthening the social safety net within the community.
What's Next?
The recruitment process for the part-time Housing Associate position will continue, with CCFCS seeking qualified candidates to fill this critical role. Successful applicants will undergo a background check, as employment is contingent upon its successful completion, in accordance with applicable law. Once hired, the new Housing Associate will be expected to adhere to all federal and state laws and regulations concerning confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards, as well as CCFCS’s corporate compliance and ethics program. The individual will also participate in relevant agency meetings and trainings and actively pursue professional development to enhance job performance. The ongoing presence of such dedicated staff will ensure the continued provision of essential services within the shelter, supporting residents' daily needs and their progress toward self-sufficiency. CCFCS will continue its mission of walking with people at their most vulnerable, leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create opportunities for both the agency and the individuals it serves.
Beyond the Headlines
The continuous need for positions like the Housing Associate at Catholic Charities Family and Community Services reflects broader societal challenges related to homelessness, poverty, and the demand for robust social support systems. The emphasis on a trauma-informed care environment acknowledges the often-complex histories and psychological impacts experienced by individuals seeking shelter, moving beyond basic needs provision to address deeper emotional and mental well-being. This approach signifies a growing understanding within social services that effective support requires empathy, respect, and an awareness of how past experiences can influence present behavior and needs. The role also highlights the critical function of non-profit organizations in bridging gaps in public services, often relying on a blend of professional staff and community volunteers to deliver comprehensive care. The long-standing presence of CCFCS in the community for over a century underscores the enduring nature of these social challenges and the sustained commitment required from faith-based and charitable organizations to address them, fostering resilience and human potential in the face of adversity.
