CARPLS Legal Aid was established as the first legal aid hotline in the country in 1993 and has been a national innovator ever since. The organization’s mission is to ensure that anyone in need can access legal help. Through its committed staff and continued technological development, CARPLS has grown into a lead partner on four statewide programs and serves Cook County as the largest provider of free legal services.
CARPLS is currently hiring for (1) position.
Community Engagement Coordinator
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the Manager of Community Engagement and Partnerships works to reach out to Chicago, Cook county and Illinois communities, community organizations and stakeholders to raise awareness of CARPLS and its legal aid services. Key position goals are to increase services to underserved communities and clients, raise CARPLS’ profile in the greater community, and form stronger mutually beneficial partnerships with other organizations that also serve the same client base.
DUTIES
- Support outreach and community engagement plans and projects, promoting CARPLS overall and particular CARPLS projects and desks. Serve as a CARPLS ambassador with the greater community and as advocate for our mission.
- Provide logistical support for legal education presentations, know your rights workshops, legal clinics, and other CARPLS presentations for community members, governmental partners, legal partners, service providers, and courts.
- Assist with reporting and data tracking to document measurable outcomes for management, such as tracking of community meetings held, community member conversations and connections, relationship building progress, volunteer and other events done on a periodic basis.
- Engage in tabling and other outreach activities at community events including job fairs, local markets, community resource fairs and other public events as arranged by the Manager of Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Assist with client screening and intake, and prepare client files for community legal events.
- Work with the Communications Manager to assist with social media and marketing content.
- Participate in meetings with community organizations and groups throughout Chicago, Suburban Cook County, and Illinois for statewide projects.
- Provide logistical support and event planning for CARPLS events, including Golden Gavels and other fundraising and social events.
- Maintain community engagement supplies including marketing materials, and tabling supplies.
- Work with the Manager of Community Engagement and Partnerships and as needed with the Legal Director, Director of Development, Director of Operations, Supervising Attorneys, Communications Manager and other staff to complete community engagement program objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conducting community outreach for a non-profit organization.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking, one-on-one interactions and listening, the ability to work well under pressure, and to quickly learn and retain new information.
- Experience working with people living in poverty or other vulnerable populations.
- Preferred degree in public policy, social work, communications, urban studies, or related field.
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
- Must have a car and valid driver’s license, and ability to travel throughout Cook County.
- Flexibility on a regular basis to work evenings and weekends for community programs, clinics, and meetings.
- Fluency in oral and written Spanish preferred.
COMPENSATION
Salary range: $55,000-$58,000, depending on experience. Excellent benefits include 401K (with an employer match), health, vision, dental and life insurance, and pretax transit benefit. Please submit your resume and cover letter to info@carpls.org. Include the words “Community Engagement Coordinator– Your name” in the email’s subject matter. CARPLS is an equal-opportunity employer, dedicated to having a diverse workplace. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: Open until filled.
