[blindlaw] EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS - AMERICORPS FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE, NW Justice Project

[Nightingale, Noel]

Link:
http://nwjustice.org/employment-opportunities/equal-justice-works-americorps-fellowship-opportunity-service

Text:
Current Openings
EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS - AMERICORPS FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE
The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is hosting a one-year fellowship sponsored by Equal Justice Works and the Corporation for National and Community Service to focus exclusively on assisting at-risk and homeless veterans remove barriers to housing, employment, and self-sufficiency.  Legal assistance to be provided includes assistance with rental housing application denials and evictions, child support modifications, professional and drivers' license suspensions and revocations, sealing and vacating criminal convictions, and other civil legal issues. The AmeriCorps Fellow will be a full-time attorney serving Legal Services Corporation eligible veterans.  The attorney selected for the Fellowship will work closely with NJP's Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral system (CLEAR), NJP field offices, and will coordinate with organizations and agencies that serve veterans in providing a full range of legal services to at-risk and homeless veterans.

Fellowship Description: The AmeriCorps Fellow will:


*        Review cases and assess for level of legal assistance needed and suitability for referral to NJP field office staff or pro bono attorneys.

*        Collaborate with local bar associations in promoting pro bono attorney recruitment, training, mentoring, case referral and placement, and data collection efforts.

*        Collaborate with Washington law schools on developing law student clinics and supervising volunteer or extern law students who may be veterans themselves.

*        Continue collaborative relationships, including outreach and training, to the network of agencies and organizations that are providing services to veterans and that may make initial assessments and referrals to NJP.

*        Update the "Representing Washington Veterans: Basic Legal and Cultural Concepts" manual sections on benefits, education, and employment and train legal aid advocates and volunteer attorneys on the manual.

*        Provide training for NJP staff on legal issues related to veterans.

*        Respond to inquiries from agencies and organizations, NJP staff, participating pro bono attorneys, law schools and law students, potential clients and others seeking technical assistance on veterans-related legal issues.

*        Provide direct client representation and/or co-counseling as time and resources permit and as appropriate based on case handling priorities.

*        Collect, organize, and submit information necessary to meet Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Fellowship and other grant reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Fellow will preferably have experience with the veteran community and the legal problems of at-risk and homeless veterans, including landlord-tenant law, public benefits law, family law and child support, criminal records as a barrier to housing and employment, and professional and drivers' license issues.  Knowledge and experience working with at-risk and homeless clients is a plus. The Fellow must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse array of attorneys and public and private entities.  This Fellowship is focused on attorneys with 0-1 year experience, but NJP will consider applicants with up to 3 years' experience, contingent on Equal Justice Works approval.  Priority will be given to applicants who are admitted to the Washington State Bar or are taking the Washington state bar exam in July, 2012.

The Northwest Justice Project is funded by the Legal Services Corporation and the State of Washington and subject to federal regulations, and numerous funding restrictions and reporting requirements. The attorney hired must be willing to work within the context of these requirements.

The Fellow will be a member of AmeriCorps, which provides opportunities for thousands of Americans to make a difference in their local communities.  Funding for this position is limited and is currently available for one year and may be renewed for a second year if funding becomes available.

Compensation:  Equal Justice Works-AmeriCorps Fellows receive a standard AmeriCorps Living allowance plus Supplemental benefits to cover certain expenses (housing, loan repayments, etc.).  For compensation range see:  EJW website link- "I Want to Apply to EJW-AmeriCorps"

Other Benefits and Professional Opportunities:

A $5,550 education award voucher, upon successful completion of program, to apply toward payment of federally backed educational loans and other expenses (if eligible under AmeriCorps service limitations).
Health and dental insurance coverage
Bar dues
Eligibility to place all qualified student loans into forbearance and receive an interest accrual payment at the end of service;
Opportunity to attend a national training program to develop leadership skills, learn effective practices to accomplish your projects and meet colleagues from across the country, and
Child care assistance (if income eligible).


Interested candidates should e-mail a letter and resume no later than July 15, 2012 to: Susan Encherman at suee at nwjustice.org<mailto:suee at nwjustice.org> with the subject line: AmeriCorps Fellowship - [Last name].   Letter of Interest should clearly refer to Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Fellowship position. The Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Fellow is scheduled to begin the term of service on or about July 30, 2012.  Ability to speak languages other than English should be noted on the resume.

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The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its client communities, Board and staff.  NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity among people who are diverse in work background, experience, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, or any other perceived differences. This policy strengthens the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application process should contact Susan Encherman at (206) 464-1519 ext. 250. The Northwest Justice Project is committed to non-discrimination in employment. To ensure equal employment opportunity, we ask your voluntary cooperation in responding to our survey found at http://tinyurl.com/yceposc.  This information will be treated as confidential, and will be available only to authorized personnel. Please only complete if you are applying for a position. Thank you.