COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE

THIS IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT.

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is committed to increasing opportunities for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers by providing safe, affordable housing and facilitating access to social and community services. NYCHA’s Department of Resident Health Initiatives (RHI) builds health and advances health equity through innovation and cross-system collaboration that connects residents to preventive health resources, helps create healthier environments, and builds capacity for resident leadership in health. The Department’s portfolio of work includes Farms and Gardens, Healthy Start @ NYCHA, NYCHA Health Corps, community health worker partnerships, Smoke-Free NYCHA, community mental health, and strategic public health collaboration with the NYC Health Department and other partners.

Resident Health Initiatives seeks a Community Mental Health Associate to assist in the delivery of work at the intersection of public housing and community mental health. Reporting to and under the supervision of the Community Mental Health Partnership Manager, with some latitude for independent initiative, the Associate will help implement a series of interventions guided by recommendations of the NYCHA Mental Health Task Force, a collaborative that works to harness the collective strengths and resources of NYCHA residents and other partners to build sustainable approaches that improve community mental health and enhance personal well-being. The Community Mental Health Associate will support work to advance three strategic priority areas (education and awareness, community wellness, and crisis prevention and response) and build towards a vision of thriving NYCHA communities with equitable access to mental health and well-being supports that decrease stigma and nurture health, opportunity, and empowerment.

Duties of the Community Mental Health Associate include, but are not limited to the following:

• Support the facilitation of NYCHA Mental Health Task Force meetings by assisting in creating agendas, recruiting and preparing presenters, and taking notes. Work with the Partnership Manager to manage bi-directional communication with Task Force Members and assist in tracking Task Force Member accomplishments, investments, and impact. Assist in the collection and reporting of additional program data.
• Provide support to the Community Mental Health Partnership Manager in organizing and hosting partner-led trainings and citywide and local events for NYCHA residents, partners, and staff.
• Assist in building relationships with partners with capacity to serve NYCHA communities and working with residents, NYCHA staff, and partners to deploy available community mental health resources in response to need.
• Perform assigned tasks to support collaboration with partners to grow participation of NYCHA residents in emerging community mental health workforce development and public education initiatives.
• Supervise non-employee support staff, including AmeriCorps Members, interns, and/or Summer Youth Employment Project program participants.
• Provide needed community engagement support in the field, including performing outreach and event coordination support activities at NYCHA developments.
• Provide additional support to the Community Mental Health Partnership Manager as needed. Work with other Health Initiatives teams to support additional Resident Health Initiatives projects as needed.

Additional Information

• THIS IS A TEMPORARY, ONE YEAR GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. Extensions are subject to the availability and renewal of funding.
• NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum qualification requirements before applying to this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• Strong interest in serving NYCHA communities and experience working in a fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders.
• Prior experience with community mental health or related work connected to public health civic engagement.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and attention to details. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Exposure to or experience helping to provide mentorship opportunities.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with NYCHA residents and/or in public housing or other affordable housing communities. Preference will also be given to candidates with relevant lived experience and/or advanced degrees.

Residency Requirement

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

Additional Information

• THIS IS A TEMPORARY, ONE YEAR GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. Extensions are subject to the availability and renewal of funding.
• NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.