Advocate for Legal Rights with AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps Legal Advocates of Massachusetts (ALA-Massachusetts) is seeking 36 AmeriCorps fellows to serve in 2021-2022. This is a full-time position, requiring 1,700 hours over 46 weeks from September 9, 2021 to July 29, 2022.  ALA-Massachusetts is looking for applicants who have an interest in poverty law, a commitment to service, and strong communications skills.

BACKGROUND 

The mission of ALA-Massachusetts is to open doors to justice for clients, invigorate our partner sites, and cultivate the next generation of public leaders. Since its founding in 2005, more than 350 ALA-Massachusetts members have served 42,000 low-income clients in need of legal assistance.

ADVOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES

ALA-Massachusetts advocates serve at organizations throughout Massachusetts which provide legal assistance to low-income individuals and families. While AmeriCorps service is not employment, ALA-Massachusetts advocates engage in critical legal activities including client communications, eligibility determinations, case development, research, legal writing, hearings, education, and community outreach. Placements are made in multiple civil law practice areas, including:

• Housing

• Immigration

• Access to Government Benefits

• Employment

• Mental Health and Health Law

• Legal Problems of Elders

• Sealing of Criminal Records, and

• Family Law.

Advocates are supervised by legal professionals, and receive training on client-centered communications, legal ethics, cultural competency, and trauma-informed advocacy. Under federal law, AmeriCorps members cannot engage in political, union or religious activities during service hours. ALA-Massachusetts has a strong network of alumni who maintain connections long past the service year. 

ELIGIBILITY AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In order to be eligible for ALA-Massachusetts, candidates must be:

• 17 years of age or over;

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

Because AmeriCorps advocates have recurring access to vulnerable populations, selected candidates will have to pass a criminal background check in order to serve.

Due to COVID-19, it is possible that the program will provide a hybrid of remote and in-person service. ALA-MA is committed to putting member and client safety first, and will accommodate those who are high risk. Selected candidates must be living to Massachusetts or a neighboring state by September, 2021, despite the possibility of some remote service.