Community Advocate

Overview of Position:

The Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEV), seeks an advocate dedicated to providing holistic stability services to those at risk of homelessness to be located in our Hampton office, serving the Peninsula. Founded in 1966, LASEV is a non-profit public interest law firm serving low-income clients in a variety of civil legal matters. Our mission is to promote the equal application of justice and remove impediments to fairness for the low-income and vulnerable families of eastern Virginia. We strive to both meet the individual legal needs of our clients and to challenge systemic injustice and the root causes of poverty and inequality. A passion for justice and a commitment to poverty law is a must.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage a caseload of individual clients and maintain awareness of clients’ holistic needs.

Develop extensive knowledge regarding affordable housing opportunities and any related requirements.

Support residents with housing stabilization, including assistance finding and obtaining housing and eviction prevention services.

Assist individual clients with applying for public benefits and connection to other resources and services.

Advocate for clients with various agencies and parties, such as landlords, to ensure access to needed services and housing.

Regular outreach within the community, including street outreach, shelters, food pantries, libraries, community centers, General District Court docket days, and other locations as identified.

Initiate and foster new relationships with local community service providers.

Other duties as assigned, which may include physically assisting clients - primarily disabled and senior clients - with moving and cleaning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of resources available for low-income individuals and households, especially for disabled and homeless populations.

Ability to collaborate and work within a team of attorneys and support staff.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Commitment to poverty law and compassion to the issues of homelessness and low-income populations.

Comfort in engaging with clients who are experiencing traumatic events.

Adaptability and flexibility.

Creative thinking and problem solving skills.

Education & Experience:

Minimum: University degree or 2+ years of relevant job experience.

Experience with trauma informed care and/or case management preferred.

Salary & Benefits:

Annual salary: Starting at $55,000, DOE

Benefits: Excellent benefits package including health/dental/vision, disability and retirement benefits.

This position is full time (37.5 hours per week), exempt.

Note that this is a grant-funded position.

LASEV is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status, and strongly encourage candidates who identify as people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and/or gender nonconforming to apply.

Next Steps:

If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and a cover letter detailing why you would be the perfect candidate to our Director of Administration, Sherry Harrison, at sherryh@laseva.org.