Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program Advisor

Legal Services of the H•Yonkers, NY

5d•$67,235 - $84,604•Hybrid

About The Position

For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake including: eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud and more. Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area. With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay. As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 30,000 household members including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of ten offices, and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels supported to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to support our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff. Reporting to the Director of Litigation, the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) Advisor is responsible for the implementation and service delivery of LSHV’s EDCAP project. The EDCAP Advisor will provide information and assistance to individuals with higher education debt, which includes federal and private student loans and tuition debt. This position is based out of the Yonkers Office and requires travel to educational workshops and events throughout Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Sullivan, and Westchester.

Requirements

Associate degree; bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience in human services
Knowledge of consumer/student loan law preferred
Excellent working knowledge of computers and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and data entry
Strong written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders
Self-starter, ability to work independently and seek supervision when necessary
Valid NYS Driver’s license and vehicle required

Responsibilities

Complete EDCAP’s training for accreditation. Thereafter, complete EDCAP training to maintain accreditation and other training to ensure provision of high-quality services.
Conduct intakes via telephone or in-person and open cases as appropriate
Maintain both physical and electronic files in the case management system for clients and applicants for services; prepare letters and other documents
Provide individual assistance, advocacy, and support to individuals with higher education debt, which includes assessing and advising individuals about their repayment plan options; accessing and advising individuals about forgiveness, cancellation and discharge programs and assisting with applications; filing requests for information and complaints with servicers and lenders; and mediating issues with loan servicers and lenders.
Refer individuals to other services and resources to address additional needs
Provide consumer education presentations based on EDCAP-approved materials
Attend community events to promote awareness of our EDCAP services.
Attend EDCAP training, including but not limited to annual intensive training and monthly training.
Remain current on student loan law as it pertains to the services provided
Collect and report data as directed by funder on a timely basis
Collect client stories, at least two per year
Complete paperwork and case recording in compliance with federal, state and local requirements and LSHV’s Practice Standards
Support EDCAP Coordinator (LSHV’s consumer attorney) as needed
Attend and engage in staff meetings, training, and supervision
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor