The Legal Services Navigator position plays an essential role in providing holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered services to the tenants we serve. They work with LEAP team members to assist tenants with housing-related matters that impact their stability, health, income and/or overall wellbeing. The Legal Services Navigators duties include:
Meet with tenants and community residents to assess their housing-related needs.
Conduct initial intakes and collect relevant data and documentation to provide the tenant with an appropriate preliminary assessment of legal issues and services needed, as well as give direction and coordination of potential next steps, as needed or relevant.
Assist tenants with housing-related issues and concerns, including but not limited to negotiating with landlords, advocating on behalf of tenants with different entities, including government agencies.
Use knowledge of the Organizations internal cross-functional resources and as well as use the Divisions internal resources to assist clients and community residents with financial assistance applications, including but not limited to the ERAP (COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance Program funds), and other financially backed resources as necessary.
Assist tenants in completing applications for rental assistance programs, such as ERAP, with all the necessary or supportive documentation, and provide follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their applications.
Maintain records for reporting purposes of each of the assisted applicants for ERAP and other such programs, for the purposes of LEAP program reporting and according to funder requirements.
Conduct advocacy and landlord/tenant mediation to avoid litigation, as necessary.
Consult with the Supervisor on case strategy, as needed.
Assist clients by collaborating and integrating with program attorneys, paralegals, case managers, community organizers, and HomeBase to meet their needs and navigate services.
Assist clients with completing, filing and renewing Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) applications and appeals.
Assist clients with filing and follow-up on Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR/HCR) complaints regarding rent overcharges, repairs, lease renewals, etc.
Conduct follow-up contact with clients to inform them of the status updates of their case and make additional referrals, as necessary, to meet any gaps in service.
Conduct, or arrange home visits for mobility impaired clients, as needed.
Maintain accurate and updated case notes by inputting all client file information into LegalServer.
Maintain community visibility by attending community meetings and events, and attend meetings, such as tenants association meetings, in collaboration with the community organizers, as necessary.
Ensure client files are closed in a timely manner and in accordance with established procedures.
Attend staff meetings.
Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of/working experience in NYC Housing Court, entitlements/benefits programs, eviction prevention or rental assistance programs
Spanish fluency preferred
Experience working in non-profit organizations and commitment to social justice
Ability to multi-task in a high volume fast paced work environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent advocacy skills highly desirable
Highly organized, adaptable and capable of managing a demanding caseload
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team, as required and necessary
Have a demonstrated commitment to supporting communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias (e.g. people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice involved persons, etc.)
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
Associates degree required with a minimum of 2 years of experience in related client advocacy or legal services work; Bachelors degree preferred
It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.
