Community Resource Specialist - Ottawa, IL
About The Position
PSLS is currently seeking a Community Resource Specialist for its Ottawa office. Community Resource Specialists at PSLS serve as bridges for better communication between PSLS staff and the people we serve, including victims of domestic violence, older adults, veterans, and residents of neighborhoods that have been deeply impacted by poverty and incarceration. Community Resource Specialists also serve as liaisons between PSLS and partner agencies, connecting PSLS clients with resources beyond legal services. Community Resource Specialists work in collaboration with local Staff Attorneys and the Community Engagement Manager to address a range of legal problems that impact our clients' ability to meet their fundamental requirements for physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, education, and to eliminate barriers to employment. The Community Resource Specialist will work with local Staff Attorneys and the Community Engagement Manager to expand service availability through various outreach efforts.
Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent education required
- Commitment to improving access to legal aid
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Proficient with computers and online tools
- Comfort with public speaking, presenting to small and mid-sized groups, meeting new people, and engaging with community organizations
- Moderate travel is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is required
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with the community at large and specifically working with diverse populations preferred
Responsibilities
- Establish connections with the communities we serve to build trust and gather data regarding areas of legal need
- Identify locations to present legal information or offer intake services, and coordinate scheduling such activities
- Identify community meetings or events to attend to learn more about community issues and needs, and provide information about PSLS services
- Utilize online legal information resources to help residents find legal information
- Assist with creating and conducting a multi-session training program for community residents to learn to be a volunteer community resource to their peers
- Work with the Staff Attorneys to connect clients with resources outside of PSLS
- Among other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Training and education program
- Travel Reimbursement
- Flex scheduling and partial remote work
- PTO that starts at 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked
- Paid sick leave
- 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
- 12 paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
