The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES), situated within NYCHA’s Department of Resident Services, Partnerships and Initiatives (RSPI), is charged with working to develop and implement programs, policies and collaborations to measurably support residents increased economic opportunities with a focus on asset building, employment, advancement, adult education and training, and resident business development.

NYCHA REES utilizes a Zone Model approach, which leverages NYCHA and partner resources to expand economic opportunity for public housing residents through place-based service coordination. Through this approach, REES enables NYCHA to (1) Generate more economic opportunities for NYCHA residents and neighborhoods; (2) Provide a more comprehensive economic empowerment platform with additional capacities around financial literacy, asset building and business development; (3) Reduce the duplication of services – better investing limited resources; (4) Enhance partnerships with community-based organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, community colleges, schools, employers and other key stakeholders; and (5) Drive more resources and investment into public housing neighborhoods.

NYCHA REES seeks a dynamic Referral Associate to join its Intake and Assessment team. The Intake and Assessment Team facilitates REES Information Sessions for broad resident interests related to economic opportunities, conducts resident assessments and intakes, and makes referrals to REES Zone Partners. The Referral Associate is an integral part of the unit and operates the live REES Hotline, answers residents’ questions related to upcoming REES events, assists residents to RSVP for upcoming REES-promoted events, and supports the unit with administrative functions related to its activities. The position reports to the Manager, Intake and Assessment.

Reporting to the Manager, Intake and Assessment, responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Work within a team of other Referral Associates and Assessment Specialists to provide the best possible customer service to NYCHA residents.
2. Operate the REES Hotline: responding to inbound calls from residents in response to resident inquiries around REES, promotions and upcoming initiatives.
3. Provide referrals over the phone to residents which will allow them to access economic opportunities (job training, adult education, employment assistance and business development services) offered through REES partners. Maintain a thorough understanding of citywide, borough wide, zone specific and development specific programs to ensure the best possible referral.
4. Conduct data entry on RSVPs, resident profiles and intake forms. Ensure that data entry is accurate and avoid data entry of duplicate files. Adhere to NYCHA’s policy around personal identifiable information.
5. Conduct data entry of resident referrals to REES Partners. Ensure the appropriate referral is submitted.
6. Validate tenancy of NYCHA residents.
7. Aid in setting up space, laptop and projector, REES folders, and other items for REES sessions and external events as needed.
8. Participate in team meetings and other scheduled meetings.
9. Serve as a backup to the front desk when needed.
10. Manage REES mailbox and respond to resident inquiries via email.
11. Perform other related duties as needed.

Additional Information

1. NYCHA employees applying for transfer, promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).
2. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.
3. NYCHA provides benefits that include a choice of medical coverage plans, deferred compensation plans and a defined pension benefit plan as a member of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS).

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

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements
1. 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
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Preferred Skills

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 2. Ability to sit for long periods of time while operating the REES Hotline. 3. Commitment to customer service and passion for serving NYCHA residents. 4. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel and excellent data entry skills. 5. Past experience in a similar role and industry. 6. Bilingual language skills a plus.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at

Residency Requirement

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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