AmeriCorps - Eviction Diversion Associate

Center for Justice Innovation • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:
Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.
Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Red Hook Community Resilience Corps is an AmeriCorps National Service Program that seeks to make Red Hook a safer, stronger and a more resilient community for individuals ages 18+. AmeriCorps members are part of our unconventional programs and services throughout the Center that engage residents and promote public safety. Members work directly with community members to provide services and referrals to address needs centered on economic mobility, housing issues and many other areas. Furthermore, members also will perform service projects throughout the neighborhood and by the end of their service year, members will gain the skills needed to plan and execute their own project.
The Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) in the Kings County Civil Court provides different services and support to tenants facing eviction in housing court. EDI assists them with navigating the court system, provides holistic case management and referrals, and assistance with housing subsidies and rental assistance.
EDI it's seeking two Eviction Diversions Associates. Reporting to the AmeriCorps Coordinator, the Associates will help advance the organization’s goal of a more humane approach in traditional landlord-tenant courts, while helping tenants avoid eviction. EDI establishes a resource hub to address underlying issues, provide legal service referrals, and information to pro se tenants, and navigate complex public benefits and human services systems. EDI provides emotional support and validation during moments of crisis and assists with applying for rental assistance, public benefits, and housing subsidies to tackle arrears, while also addressing poverty, domestic violence, and mental health issues that intersect with housing court matters.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Interest in working with communities and/or service;
• Ability to communicate appropriately with varying levels of stakeholders;
• Highly organized, excellent communication skills, and strong writing ability with the capacity to be detail-oriented within a fast-paced;
• Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft and Google Suites, and be able to use Skype for Business; and
• Candidate should have the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally-responsive manner and work independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred

Responsibilities

• Work under the guidance and direction of the EDI Brooklyn Project Manager;
• Identify, listen to and provide direct assistance to litigants in Housing Court in need of assistance navigating the court process, including gathering information and documentation, helping with public assistance requests or certifications, Section 8 vouchers, or other government rental assistance;
• Work collaboratively and develop relationships with on- and off-site partners, including OCA, NYCHA, HPD, HRA, APS, legal services providers, and others;
• Act as liaison between NYCHA, tenants, and OCA staff (including the Judge and Court Attorney), to facilitate and expedite tenants’ repairs and address various tenant needs related to non-payment of rent and other sources of eviction risk;
• Assist tenants with navigating housing court process, including assisting with filing appropriate court forms with clerk’s office; coordinating with tenants and partner organizations in conducting home visits/inspections and obtaining written and photographic documentation of repair conditions to share with the court and parties involved; and providing information regarding rights and legal services, and NYCHA and other government rental subsidy rules and regulations;
• Collaborate with partner organizations to provide information to tenants on workshops, outreach and trainings that provide information on rent, benefits, repairs and civil legal issues;
• Provide individualized case management services and support to housing court litigants, including meaningful referrals to on-site programs or partner agencies/organizations;
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community-based resources for health and social services referrals;
• Review and monitor stipulation agreements signed in housing court between tenant and landlord to support compliance by both parties to resolve rent, repair or lease issues;
• Maintain data and tracking systems for grant deliverables;
• Document case management and compliance services provided in a centralized database.

Benefits

• Minimum-Time members receive a living allowance of $1,500 and an educational award of $1,565.08 upon successful completion of their term.
• Skills-based and professional development training.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to use on future educational expenses or to pay back qualified student loans. The value is dependent on length of service. Members 55+ are eligible to transfer their Education Award to a family member; and
• Competitive job edge in your job search, including access to a network of over 600 employers of National Service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED