The Urban Justice Center (UJC) is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of New York City’s most vulnerable residents. The mission of UJC’s Safety Net Project (SNP) is to advocate for economic justice for no and low income New Yorkers. We conduct direct legal services, litigation, research, and policy advocacy to preserve and expand access to safety net programs and ensure government accountability.
We seek an Advocate to represent individuals experiencing legal problems in accessing public benefits such as cash assistance, SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, and eviction prevention grants. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Interviewing individual clients to assess their public benefits problem
- Helping clients understand the government public benefits system
- Developing and implementing outreach efforts
- Writing extensive referrals
- Staffing legal clinics throughout NYC food pantries and soup kitchens
- Representing clients at administrative hearings
- Engaging in advocacy with Cash Assistance and Non-Cash Assistance Centers
- Conducting all work necessary to ensure on-going receipt of public benefits for clients
- Once trained, training advocates in the community and internally
Successful candidates must have strong organizational and administrative skills, the ability to quickly learn about New York City’s complex welfare system, an aptitude for tenacious negotiation and advocacy, a desire to work with New Yorkers living in poverty, and the ability to respond sensitively to the urgent needs of clients. A college degree is required and strong written, verbal, and organizational skills are essential. Conversational Spanish is required.
Salary begins at $34,000 and is commensurate with experience. Generous vacation, medical and dental benefits are provided. The position is for one year with the potential for extension if funding allows. This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230.
People of color, LGBT individuals, individuals who have personal experience with poverty, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to snphiring@urbanjustice.org with “Benefits Advocate Position” in the subject heading. JD Applicants will not be considered. We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will contact only those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax.
