OUTREACH WORKER
BASTA (Building and Strengthening Tenant Action)
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin
In furthering the cause of tenant empowerment in the Austin area, TRLA seeks an outreach worker to join the Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA) team to assist in outreach to tenants. The BASTA team supports low-income Austin residents’ ability to access safe, decent, and affordable housing through a variety of modes of advocacy, including education, litigation and empowerment strategies.
TRLA is the third largest legal services provider in the country and enjoys an exceptional litigation record. The organization is nationally recognized for its zealous representation of America’s most impoverished and oppressed populations, and its attorneys and support staff have achieved an enviable record of success in federal and state courts throughout Texas. TRLA recruits throughout the country and attracts many candidates who would be welcome in the most prestigious non-profit organizations in the country.
The outreach worker is part of the Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (“BASTA”) project team to support low-income Austin residents’ ability to access safe, decent, and affordable housing through a variety of modes of advocacy, including education, litigation and empowerment strategies.
The duties and activities of the outreach worker include the following:
• Visiting substandard properties and educate residents on their legal right to live in healthy housing, the steps they can take to get the property owners to make repairs, and the effects slum housing has on their health.
• Help residents document substandard conditions and needed repairs.
• Assist residents in requesting repairs, meeting with property managers, and reporting substandard conditions, as needed, to code enforcement. Monitor responsiveness and follow up as needed.
• Document outreach activities and compile data to track outcomes and efficacy of the project.
• All other duties assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Dedication to economic, social and racial justice.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of people, including residents and property owners.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Vehicle and driver’s license.
Preferred:
• Previous outreach, community engagement, and community organizing experience.
• Knowledge of housing issues and/or landlord-tenant law.
• Personal experience with low-income housing.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and willingness to develop additional skills.
To apply, email a cover letter, resume and references to [email protected].