Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), a non-profit regional law firm with a long history of representing people living on low incomes in Ohio in achieving equal justice and opportunity, seeks a Tenant Advocate supporting the Housing and Community Economic Development practice group’s access to counsel project providing tenant representation in eviction actions. This position will be based out of ABLE’s Dayton office.
About ABLE
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm established over 50 years ago to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the same access to justice as people and companies that can afford to retain an attorney. ABLE and its partner law firm, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), are the only law firms available for comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425,000 people living, working, and raising their families in poverty in Northwest and West Central Ohio. ABLE advocates for – and with – financially disadvantaged individuals and communities to effectuate just and equitable policy changes that address the structural causes of poverty and to protect their right to fairness and justice in the legal system.
The Opportunity
The Justice Support Specialist will:
• Support Legal Representation: Assist attorneys and clients in the legal process by facilitating communication, collecting factual information and documentation, and advocating for client needs.
• Client Access to Services: Ensure clients have access to ABLE services by engaging with them, facilitating referrals, and coordinating with external organizations.
• Crisis Prevention and Resolution: Provide immediate crisis prevention and resolution strategies to address client emergencies.
• Community Outreach: Conduct outreach presentations to client groups and partner organizations to raise awareness of ABLE services and promote community engagement.
• Relationship Building with Service Providers: Develop and maintain relationships with service providers to facilitate effective referrals to and from ABLE and other community organizations.
• Professional Development Coordination: Coordinate and facilitate staff training on topics such as poverty, working with vulnerable populations, and cultural competency to enhance service delivery.
• Supervision of Social Work Students: Provide supervision and mentorship to social work students during their field placements at ABLE, ensuring they gain practical experience.
• Collaboration with Legal Advocates: Collaborate effectively with legal advocates and other professionals to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with no income, limited English proficiency, and mental health consumers.
• Client Advocacy and Equal Justice Commitment: Uphold the principle of equal justice by treating clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect, while maintaining strict confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.
• Program Policies and Procedures: Implement ABLE policies and procedures effectively and ensure that program guidelines are followed to meet the organization’s goals.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrate an appreciation for diverse cultures and communities by working equitably with clients and colleagues from varied backgrounds.
• Independence and Team Work: Work effectively with a team consisting of a staff attorney, paralegal, community organizer and administrative assistant to stabilize housing for clients and support community driven housing initiatives.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
1. Bachelor’s degree in social work or commensurate experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.
2. 0-3 years of experience in social work preferred
3. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a high level of initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
4. Experience working with limited income clients and knowledge of local social services is required.
5. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
6. Computer proficiency in MS Office applications is necessary.
7. Spanish language skills are preferred.
8. Must hold a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and be willing to travel throughout the service area.
Compensation, Benefits, and Work Location
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The starting annual salary range for this position is $50,600-$68,400 depending on experience. Comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, supplemental language compensation, annual leave, and paid parental leave.
To Apply: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. Position will remain open until filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.
