For more than 50 years, LAF (formerly Legal Assistance Foundation) has provided free civil legal aid to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year LAF’s attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. In addition to representing individuals in court and administrative hearings, we run community legal clinics, provide know-your-rights workshops, and work with community-based organizations to address emerging issues as well as persistent problems that affect low-income families. Our work impacts more than 40,000 people each year.
Position: A VISTA serving as LAF’s Domestic Violence Projects Coordinator will assist with efforts to increase the agency’s capacity to offer services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Responsibilities: Support the operations of LAF’s OP Litigation and Appeals Projects; attract and train new pro bono attorneys and maintain data for the Rolling Meadows DV Pro Bono Help Desk; raise awareness and promote access to civil legal assistance for low-income survivors of sexual violence in Cook County; coordinate pro bono services related to family law and domestic violence cases.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Spanish fluency preferred, but not required
Term of Service: July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018
Program Benefits: Living allowance ($1,026/mo.), choice of Education Award ($5,815) or End of Service Stipend ($1,500) and Non-Competitive Eligibility status upon successful completion of service, housing supplement ($200/mo.), transit pass ($100/mo.), healthcare allowance, life insurance, relocation payment if eligible ($550), and professional development opportunities.
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 May 10, 2017 through the MyAmeriCorps website, found at the following address: my.americorps.gov/mp/recruit/registration.do
*To qualify for national service, 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