The VISTAs will help expand economic justice in New York City by implementing and supporting legal services programs for New Yorkers facing debt collection through the courts. VISTAs help manage and maintain weekly court-based clinics that are staffed by attorney and student volunteers.
Service Activities
The VISTAs will work with Feerick Center leadership and staff to continue building the Consumer Advocacy/Assistance Program: recruit, train, and support attorney, student, and other volunteers; help improve data collection/tracking through technology; develop innovative ways to solicit feedback from volunteers and community members.
Community Need Addressed
The Feerick Center has focused on economic justice, specifically consumer debt issues for New Yorkers with low income and little to no wealth. The Feerick Center provides limited-scope legal services to unrepresented low-income New Yorkers facing credit card debt collection through the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island Consumer Assistance Programs.
Position Outcomes
The VISTAs are involved in rebuilding weekly in-person, technology driven clinics and continuing to build the remote component of the Consumer Assistance program.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
Work Issued Laptop, Unlimited Monthly MetroCard
Education Benefits
This position can support members interested in going to law school by providing access to admissions counselors and connecting members with practicing or retired attorneys.
Skills you will gain
Social Services , Writing/Editing , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Non-Profit Management , Communications , Public Speaking , Team Work , Computers/Technology , Leadership , Law , Recruitment , Community Organization
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment