Job description
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s expanding Legal Advocacy Department of 20 lawyers and legal advocates is seeking a Housing/Benefits Advocate to join our growing team that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families on the East Side of Manhattan.
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, widely recognized as one of New York’s premier human services providers, is a 122-year-old settlement house that provides an extensive array of effective and integrated services—social, educational, legal, health, housing, mental health, nutritional and fitness—which significantly improve the lives of thousands in need each year, ages 3 to 103, on the East Side of Manhattan. Our clients include older adults, homeless and formerly homeless adults, children and families, recent immigrants, disabled persons, adult learners and more. Our Legal Advocacy Department assists over 2500 low-income individuals and families each year with diverse civil legal issues such as housing, health care, government benefits, and advance directives. We operate through a multidisciplinary holistic approach to legal representation, such that our clients receive assistance not only with their civil legal needs, but also have access to our social workers, psychiatrists, care managers, ESOL classes and more within our organization. This synergy of legal advocacy and social services creates a powerful tool to achieve social and legal justice for those in need. For more information on Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, please visit our website at www.lenoxhill.org.
The Housing/Benefits Advocate will be an integral member of our Legal Advocacy Department, which provides comprehensive legal services in the areas of housing, health care, access to government benefits and advance directives to low income individuals on Manhattan’s East Side (14th Street to 143rd Street). Our team of lawyers and legal advocates represent individuals in court and administrative forums; assist individuals with securing critical income supports and entitlements; and provides advice, counseling, advocacy and referrals to clients as needed. We also conduct community education workshops for clients, staff members, community residents, government officials and social service providers.
The Housing/Benefits Advocate will conduct client intake and interviews; assist clients with completing benefit applications; advocate on behalf of clients with government agencies, landlords and others with regard to housing, health care, advance directives and benefit matters; link clients to appropriate social services; educate individuals, families and other community partners about tenants’ rights, government benefits and available social services; conduct outreach at community based agencies; and assist our attorneys with client-related matters and litigation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A successful candidate will demonstrate: a commitment to social justice; previous housing/benefits or relevant experience; strong attention to detail and organization; proficient computer skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to respond sensitively to the needs of our clients; and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to complete complex projects in a fast-paced environment. BA/BS degree required. Spanish or Chinese language proficiency preferred.
How to apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and list of references to legaladvocate@lenoxhill.org. No phone calls please.
Location
331 E. 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, US
Details
Education requirements
4-year degree
Languages needed
English , Spanish , Chinese
Employment type
Full time
Professional level
None specified
Salary details
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Job function
Direct social services , Advocacy , Legal
Owner’s areas of focus
Urban , Sports and recreation , Family , Multi-service agency , Housing and homelessness , Poverty and hunger , Youth , Legal assistance , Human services , Seniors and retirement , Education
