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 the Immigrants and Workers’ Rights Outreach Project Coordinator at LAF will assist with efforts to increase the agency's capacity to offer free legal services to low-wage workers throughout Illinois.
Responsibilities: Provide information to low-wage workers regarding rights in employment and remedies for wage or overtime theft, human trafficking, and other significant mistreatment at work; organize outreach throughout the state for staff and spearhead statewide meetings; empower workers to consider making claims for work-based violations and help refer workers to the appropriate office to remedy a legal claim related to work.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Spanish fluency
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Driver’s license
Term of Service: July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.
Program Benefits: Living allowance ($1,026/month), 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/month), transit pass ($100/month), 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 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