AmeriCorps VISTA: Fordham Law School Consumer Advocacy Project Coordinator

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Recruiting Organization: Feerick Center for Social Justice of Fordham Law School

Service Description: Since 2008, FC has focused on economic justice--specifically, consumer debt issues for New Yorkers with low income and little to no wealth. FC provides limited-scope legal services to unrepresented low-income New Yorkers facing credit card debt collection through the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island CLARO Programs. The clinics are court-based and staffed by attorney and student volunteers. With COVID, FC is building a permanent remote component. As the VISTA, you will be involved in rebuilding in-person, technology driven clinics and continuing to build Remote CLARO. You will help plan all aspects of clinics. This position is a part of an 7-member VISTA cadre at FC and partner sites. The position is ideal for someone interested in careers in public interest law, public policy, urban studies, or economics.

VISTAs serving at the Feerick Center must live within commuting distance (1.5 hrs) of Manhattan, NY before their service start date. This opportunity requires mandatory in-person service three (3) days per week. Required in-person days and times (potentially including some evening hours) may vary week to week based on programming. The other two (2) days can be in person or teleservice. This model is subject to change during the VISTA’s service term.

Member Duties: As a NYC Consumer Advocacy Project Coordinator you will expand economic and racial justice in NYC by implementing and supporting legal services programs for New Yorkers facing debt collection through the courts. The work is especially urgent as the economic impact of COVID on low-income communities is increasing with "re-opening" of courts and reductions in economic support. You will work with Feerick Center leadership and staff to continue building the Program: recruit, train, and support attorney, student, and other volunteers; help improve data collection/tracking through technology; develop innovative ways to solicit feedback from volunteers and community members. This dynamic project will give you the opportunity to work closely with attorneys, law students, and members of the communities we serve. Ideal candidates are committed to justice, have volunteer management skills, and enjoy working with a diverse set of individuals, communities, and volunteers. See service description for in-person and vaccination requirements.

The VISTA will have monthly check-ins with the FC VISTA Leader, weekly program meetings and in-person clinics, bi-monthly FC staff meetings, monthly professional development workshops, mid-monthly presentations led by the VISTA Leader, and opportunities to attend various academic programs and training sessions. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone considering a career in public interest law or consumer advocacy.

Program Benefits : Health Benefit* , Work Issued Laptop, Unlimited MetroCard , Living Allowance (provided by AmeriCorps) , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Relocation Allowance (if eligible) , Non-Competitive Eligibility status for federal jobs upon successful completion of service , Child Care assistance (if eligible) .

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair Accessible

Fee RequiredFalse

Fee Amount: None

This opportunity is recurring