The Goddard Riverside Law Project provides free legal representation and organizing support to low-income individuals, families, and groups of tenants in the west side of Manhattan to preserve affordable housing and improve living conditions. Law Project staff consists of tenant organizers and attorneys who work with individual tenants and tenant groups, educate tenants about their rights, and work in coalition with other community groups on citywide campaigns. The Law Project assists tenants living in single room occupancy (SRO) and apartment buildings with solving a wide array of housing-related problems, including eviction, harassment, rent overcharge, illegal lockouts, lack of heat and hot water, and other poor building conditions.

This is a full-time, hourly position (35 hrs/week) with working hours Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Organize SRO and apartment tenants on the west side of Manhattan, including Harlem; assist and advocate for tenants with issues or problems around housing issues; negotiate with landlords; mobilize tenants for demonstrations, rallies and forums; advocate on behalf of low-income or no-income tenants with different entities, including governmental agencies; assist in developing organizing strategy.
• Organize tenants at a building-wide level to address issues vis-à-vis the tenants’ landlord, including outreach, conducting know-your-rights trainings, facilitating meetings, etc.
• Take leadership roles in city-wide campaigns to promote the preservation and production of affordable housing; advocate for enhanced enforcement of city codes regarding physical condition of buildings; resist passage of high rent increases; and other issues that may arise concerning affordable housing.
• Facilitate monthly meetings for our Tenant Committee.
• Provide support in court cases, as required, by preparing reports for or giving testimony in court or otherwise assisting in the representation of tenants, providing translation assistance where appropriate, assisting tenants to file pro se actions against their landlords concerning bad conditions.
• Testify before legislative bodies; conduct outreach to community leaders and elected officials; participate in efforts to reform housing policy.
• Fulfill administrative responsibilities, as required, including reporting on organizing efforts and results, and preparing records of intake and case disposition, inspections, meetings, and personnel matters.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish, French or Mandarin is strongly preferred.
• Organizing experience, preferably in the area of tenants’ rights.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice work.
• Ability to manage individual case load, building-wide organizing and campaign work.
• Good writing and research skills.
• Familiarity with housing issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Visiting tenants and door-knocking in buildings, which includes climbing stairs, and attending outdoor events as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office work; tenant buildings; actions, rallies and other events that may be outdoors.

COMPENSATION

• Salary is competitive with NYC public interest salaries following a UAW union scale and based on experience.
• Generous package of vacation, personal and sick days pursuant to UAW contract.
• Excellent health and dental benefits. How to apply

Please email cover letter, resume and writing sample to Larry Wood, Director of Organizing, at jobs@goddard.org, with “Tenant Organizer” in the subject line. Applications should be submitted by November 7, 2015, but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.