LIFT-Boston is a growing movement whose mission is to help community members achieve economic stability and well being. LIFT currently runs centers staffed by trained volunteers in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, to serve low-income individuals and families.
Interning at LIFT is a unique opportunity to grow and develop both personally and professionally as you will be working with diverse groups of people, engaging in interpersonal and administrative work, as well as experiencing firsthand non-profit organization and office management.
About the Position:
LIFT – Boston seeks driven and independent leaders to serve as Client Advocates. Client Advocates work one-on-one with community members to find jobs, secure housing, enroll in public benefits, and help these community members obtain referrals for services such as childcare and healthcare. Client Advocates are also responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of LIFT – Boston. We look for individuals who are passionate about community development and are committed to LIFT's anti-poverty mission.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Work one-on-one with community members to find jobs, secure safe and stable housing, enroll in public benefits and tax credits, and obtain referrals for services like childcare and healthcare
- Attend meetings and trainings that address local and national poverty issues
- Engage your community by building and strengthening partnerships with community and university organizations
Requirements:
- Commitment to LIFT's mission and core values
- Computer skills including ability to use Microsoft Office applications, Google, email and other internet services
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility, ability to take initiative, and a commitment to being a team player
- Preference for Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole speakers
Time Commitment:
Advocates must volunteer a minimum of four hours per week in the office. All advocates must attend two days of training at the beginning of their term. In addition, all advocates are required to attend on-going trainings that are meant to better prepare them for client service. We've seen that clients who meet with the same volunteers consistently have a likelihood of returning more frequently and decrease the amount of no shows, which creates better relationships between the volunteer and the client. By having volunteers committing to more hours to client service, the clients will be able to comfortably have meetings with their volunteer.
