We recognize that legal representation is often only the first step toward safety and stability. Many clients have needs beyond their legal cases, including access to healthcare, job training, food assistance, education, and more. The Client Advocate plays a critical role in helping clients cut through red tape and connect with the full range of resources available to them, from government programs, nonprofit organizations and other community partners.
The Client Advocate draws on systems knowledge, persistence, and creative problem-solving. This role involves researching resources, communicating with government agencies and community partners, and identifying alternative options when standard pathways aren't available. This is not a clinical or therapeutic position: the focus is on systems navigation. Strong attention to detail is required, including timely and accurate completion of administrative tasks such as client notes and documentation.
Responsibilities
- • Meet with clients to identify their non-legal service needs and determine what resources may be available to them
- • Connect clients to a broad range of resources: drawn from government programs, nonprofit partners, faith communities, mutual aid networks, and private sector providers such as hospitals and healthcare systems; including childcare, clothing, domestic violence services, ESL courses, financial literacy programs, food assistance, educational opportunities, job training, medical care, housing and utility assistance, transportation, and more
- • Actively work alongside clients to navigate systems and secure services, including: ◦ Identifying the right agencies and specific contacts for each need ◦ Making calls with clients to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other service providers ◦ Scheduling and coordinating appointments ◦ Attending appointments or visiting agencies alongside clients ◦ Assisting with applications, eligibility forms, and required paperwork ◦ Writing strong advocacy letters to help clients access services or appeal denials ◦ Following up persistently to track outcomes and keep momentum ◦ Researching available services when a client’s need falls outside familiar resources
- • Guide clients through bureaucratic processes involved in accessing public benefits and government services, including obtaining identification documents, applying for benefit programs, and navigating eligibility and enrollment requirements
- • Collaborate closely with AIR’s legal team to ensure clients’ non-legal needs are addressed alongside their immigration cases
- • Maintain and regularly update resource guides covering the full landscape of available services and partners across AIR’s service area, with direct contacts and notes on how each resource serves our clients
- • Maintain accurate, timely records of client service notes and outcomes; understand that thorough documentation protects clients, supports AIR’s legal work, and ensures continuity of services if circumstances change
- • Handle all client information with strict confidentiality; understand the particular sensitivity of immigration-related information and the real harm that unauthorized disclosure can cause for clients and their families
- • Proactively identify and cultivate new partnerships with nonprofits, faith communities, mutual aid networks, and other community organizations to expand the resources available to AIR clients
- • Plan workshops, community groups, and information sessions to help clients understand available resources and how to access them
- • Attend community outreach events
- • Participate in staff meetings and organizational initiatives
- • Complete additional tasks and administrative duties as required
Experience Requirements
- • Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) required
- • Experience connecting people to resources across a variety of settings; government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or other community partners
- • Demonstrated attention to detail, including timely and accurate maintenance of notes and documentation
- • Ability to navigate obstacles with persistence and creativity to find alternate solutions
- • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client needs, prioritize effectively, and follow through without close supervision
- • Genuine understanding of and respect for the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities, including documentation-related barriers and language access issues
- • Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle
- • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any human services, social science, liberal arts, public sector, or community-focused field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health Insurance
- Paid time off
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with three references (name, position, phone number and email address) to [email protected].