For over 50 years LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with comprehensive free legal services to resolve non-criminal issues. Each year LAF’s more than 80 full-time attorneys and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions.
Position: A VISTA serving as the Public Benefits Volunteer Project Coordinator at LAF will assist with efforts to expand the organization's capacity to help clients increase or maintain income and health coverage.
Responsibilities: Recruit and train volunteers to assist clients applying for or seeking to maintain public benefits; coordinate with staff to identify current and best practices for assisting clients with public benefits enrollment; support staff and volunteers working to resolve barriers to eligibility related to Medicaid spend down and SNAP budgeting.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Term of Service: March 19, 2018 to March 18, 2019.
Program Benefits: Living allowance ($1,178/month), choice of Education Award ($5,920) or End of Service Stipend ($1,800), Non-Competitive Eligibility status upon successful completion of service, housing supplement ($200/month), transit pass ($100/month), healthcare allowance, and relocation payment ($550 *if eligible).
Other Considerations: VISTAs may have outside employment and pursue an education, as long as it does not interfere with service responsibilities and is approved by a supervisor.
To Apply: Submit a VISTA application by February 4, 2018 through the MyAmeriCorps website, found at the following address: my.americorps.gov
*To qualify for AmeriCorps VISTA, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
LAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY