POSITION SUMMARY
Philadelphia VIP seeks a self-starting, goal-oriented team player to serve as its Tangled Title Initiative Outreach Coordinator, focusing on Philadelphia’s tangled title epidemic. The Outreach Coordinator will build VIP’s long-term capacity to represent low-income clients with tangled title issues by reforming case processing approaches and building upon existing strategic partnerships with other organizations.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly detail-oriented, and successful at managing multiple deadlines; has strong skills in written and oral communication and demonstrated experience in working with people from a range of socio-economic background; and cares deeply about access to justice for underserved communities, values volunteers, and enjoys working on a collaborative team.
VIP values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with disabilities to apply.
This is a one-year AmeriCorps VISTA position. An overview of VISTA benefits for 2020, including living allowance and health benefits, is located here: Overview of 2020 VISTA Member Benefits.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree required. This position does not require a law degree.
- Close attention to detail, organized, and an acute ability to multitask and manage multiple, simultaneous projects and deadlines.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Experience in data entry, database management, and full suite of Microsoft Office programs.
- Embraces technology, including leading-edge case management systems.
- Passion for access to justice for underserved communities.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Implement both proactive and reactive strategies designed to reduce the duration of tangled title cases handled by volunteer attorneys:
- Implement approaches for proactive outreach to volunteer attorneys handling tangled title cases.
- Execute internal and external strategies to bring more cases handled by volunteer attorneys to a resolution more quickly.
- Track results of these strategies, and make needed refinements.
Guide and support clients and volunteer attorneys throughout the life of the case:
- Interview new clients to gather necessary information and documents and, with attorney supervision, assess the legal merit of cases.
- Develop client relationships and provide ongoing case management, including monitoring cases for deadlines and emergencies.
- Facilitate the volunteer-client relationship, and obtain case updates from volunteer attorneys.
- With attorney supervision, provide technical assistance to volunteer attorneys in case subjects, procedures, support services, and client interaction.
- Through experienced knowledge of case cycles, continue development and execution of strategies to reduce duration of tangled title cases.
Engage with legal services agencies and community partners to respond to service gaps:
- Strengthen partnerships with legal services partners and community-based organizations aimed at helping clients achieve goals of which tangled title is a barrier.
- Using this information, research, develop, update, and execute informational guides for staff, volunteers, and clients to more efficiently assist with repetitive needs.
- Collaborate with community partners to bring tangled title intake services and brief advice into the community.
Recruit and retain volunteer attorneys in private practice to represent tangled title clients:
- Use multiple modes to recruit volunteer attorneys and match them with clients, including maintaining volunteer records to identify potential volunteers for new cases.
- Develop new sources of potential volunteers, while maintaining and strengthening relationships with current volunteers.
- Deepen partnerships with key stakeholders, including law firms, and participate in volunteer recognition efforts and events.
- Assist in planning, execution, and follow-up for volunteer clinics, trainings, and other events.
HOW TO APPLY:
Email cover letter and resume to Karna Laubenstein, Director of Operations, klaubenstein@phillyvip.org. No calls, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of May 15, 2020.
What to include in your cover letter: All cover letters should include describe the applicant’s qualifications for and interest in the position. We invite you to include a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of VIP’s staff team and legal practice.
PHILADELPHIA VIP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER