Unemployment Advocate

The Philadelphia Unemployment Project & Unemployment Information Center (PUP/UIC) is hiring an Unemployment Advocate to serve and organize with laid off Philadelphians. The Advocate will primarily assist unemployed workers with meeting their immediate needs by helping them navigate the unemployment benefit system. They will also work with the Executive Director and other staff to organize unemployed workers and advocate for improvements to the unemployment benefit system.

The Philadelphia Unemployment Project works to build a movement for justice for the unemployed. Through its sister agency, the Unemployment Information Center, it has assisted countless Pennsylvanians to get their benefits over the last 50 years. The Advocate will play a key role in continuing to support those most impacted by unemployment by providing direct services and supporting organizing and advocacy efforts.

Primary responsibilities:

• Assist unemployed workers applying for unemployment benefits and navigating the system
• Provide information on other resources as needed, such as SNAP, Medical Assistance, etc.
• Keep track of assistance work to provide required data to relevant funders
• Refer unemployed workers to other PUP/UIC resources and to other organizations as needed
• Support the Executive Director and other staff in unemployment advocacy and organizing efforts

Skills and Qualifications

• A social services background is preferred
• Organizing experience is preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred
• Competency in Microsoft Office is required
• Familiarity with Case Management Systems is a plus
• A commitment to economic and social justice is required
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus

• Unionized workplace
• Employer-funded health insurance
• Vision & Dental plans
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous holiday & vacation days