For 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 Description: A VISTA serving as LAF’s Veterans Legal Assistance Project Coordinator will assist with efforts to increase the agency’s capacity to provide legal services to the Veterans community.
Responsibilities: Strengthen and expand relationships between LAF and community organizations in Chicago and suburban Cook County that serve veterans and their families; coordinate LAF’s participation in monthly clinics focused on serving veterans and their families; research feasibility of expanding the clinic model to include assistance to self-represented veteran litigants; assist LAF’s Veterans Task Force with initiatives to increase awareness about the legal needs of veterans and their families and the services LAF offers to meet those needs; develop and pilot a new LAF project to use volunteers to assist veterans to obtain military discharge upgrades and other veterans benefits.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Interest in serving veterans
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Term of Service: March 13, 2017 to March 12, 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 February 14, 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