Community Resource Specialist

$42,000 - $55,334/Yr

Prairie State Legal Services - Waukegan, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Waukegan, IL

101-250 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Community Resource Specialist at Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) plays a crucial role in bridging communication between PSLS staff and the communities they serve, including vulnerable populations such as victims of domestic violence, older adults, and residents affected by poverty and incarceration. This position involves collaboration with local attorneys and community engagement efforts to enhance access to legal services and resources, ultimately aiming to improve the fundamental needs of clients in areas such as safety, healthcare, housing, and employment.

Responsibilities

• Establish connections with the communities served to build trust and gather data regarding areas of legal need.
• Identify locations to present legal information or offer intake services and coordinate scheduling for such activities.
• Identify community meetings or events to attend to learn more about community issues and needs and provide information about PSLS services.
• Utilize online legal information resources to help residents find legal information.
• Assist with creating and conducting a multi-session training program for community residents to learn to be volunteer community resources to their peers.
• Work with Staff Attorneys to connect clients with resources outside of PSLS.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent education required.
• Commitment to improving access to legal aid.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficient with computers and online tools.
• Comfort with public speaking, presenting to small and mid-sized groups, meeting new people, and engaging with community organizations.
• Experience working with the community at large and specifically with diverse populations preferred.
• Moderate travel is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with diverse populations.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Extensive training and education program
• Travel Reimbursement
• Flex scheduling and partial remote work
• PTO that starts at 2.5 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• 12 paid holidays per year