Organizational Overview

RiseBoro Community Partnership is a comprehensive agency that serves underserved communities in New York City. Since its inception in 1973, RiseBoro has collaborated with community leaders, government agencies, and private investors to address housing, health, and service needs. Their programs span various areas, including housing, senior services, health care, youth development, education, empowerment, community development, arts programming, skills training, homelessness prevention, and access to healthy foods.

Here are some highlights:

Youth Center: RiseBoro converted 30,000 square feet of vacant land into a youth center, providing local youth and their families with opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and growth.

Senior Services: RiseBoro was designated the first Innovative Senior Center in Brooklyn by the NYC Department for the Aging. Their extensive programming includes health management, physical exercise, and nutritional programs, collaborating with local hospitals and universities.

Affordable Housing: RiseBoro is involved in affordable housing projects, such as the Hunters Point venture, which includes 1,100 apartments and retail/community space. 80% of the units are permanently affordable or earmarked for seniors.

RiseBoro’s mission is to empower communities to thrive, regardless of the odds. They work toward a city where zip codes don’t determine health outcomes, housing stability, or economic power. If you’re interested, consider becoming part of the RiseBoro community.

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary or hourly rate offer will be based on the candidate’s experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be considered.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

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:

ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• 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.

  REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.)

  SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Associates degree required with a minimum of 2 years of experience in related client advocacy or legal services work; Bachelors degree preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action Policy

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.