Health Justice Attorney 

Kentucky Equal Justice Center has an immediate opening for a full-time Health Justice Attorney for a new project designed to combat discrimination in healthcare against individuals with Substance Use Disorder, including Opioid Use Disorder. The attorney will provide individual and systemic legal representation to enforce the civil rights of people with disabilities. The project is funded and supported by Vital Strategies. The successful candidate will work in partnership with Vital Strategies, Legal Action Center, VOCAL-KY, and Dream.org to protect the rights of people with substance use disorder. This press release about the project describes it and its goals in more detail.  Experience and an interest in civil rights and/or health law is preferred.

 

KEJC is a small public interest law firm and advocacy organization. We believe every Kentuckian has the right to health care, housing, fair pay, food, education, and safety. KEJC’s staff of 16 works in Kentucky’s capital and in courtrooms and communities across Kentucky. Our program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic in Lexington provides immigration law services. A .pdf of this job description is available here.

 

About the Position

In tandem with an Outreach and Investigations Paralegal, the Health Justice Attorney will work in the following ways as a multi-forum advocate in courtrooms, capitol, community for Kentuckians who use drugs:

 

• Conduct impact litigation, direct services, and community lawyering

• Represent individual clients consistent with project parameters, including all phases of outreach, training, self-advocacy assistance, direct individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, and litigation

• Develop and maintain self-advocacy materials for use by clients and constituents

• Provide advice and assistance to KEJC clients, including writing letters and memoranda and drafting pleadings on behalf of clients

• Analyze and interpret federal and state laws, rulings, and regulations to stay abreast of legal developments in disability law, and other related law/ethical fields

• Analyze statutes, regulations, and agency policies/procedures and draft analyses and comments, as appropriate, in collaboration with KEJC staff

• Provide technical assistance to attorneys and advocates regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities, including assistance to pro bono attorneys

• Monitor institutions and other service providers, agencies, or settings as required

• Maintain complete and accurate records in KEJC’s case management system consistent with agency policies and procedures

• Conduct policy research and identify solutions

• Participate in state and national networks focused on protecting the rights of people with substance use disorder

• Provide policy support to Kentucky public interest partners

• Analyze and comment on state and federal proposals

• Prepare briefing papers on promising options and current issues

• Communicate with decision-makers and the public on new developments and proposals

• Communications, outreach, and coalition building

• Prepare written materials and conduct activities for the education and training of consumers, coalition partners, professionals, KEJC staff, members of the public, and others consistent with project parameters

• Coordinate with KEJC communications staff to obtain feedback from and share information with the disability community regarding the rights and experiences of people with SUD/OUD

• Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, service providers, advocacy organizations, pro bono attorneys, and community advocates

• Represent KEJC at coalition meetings, public hearings, stakeholder groups, and/or task forces

 

Requirements

• JD degree and admitted to practice law in Kentucky

• Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law

​

Desirable qualifications

• Lived experience with SUD (strong preference)

• Life experience with disability

• Legal work experience, with civil litigation experience strongly preferred

• Experience in a legal services, nonprofit, or public interest environment

• Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish or another non-English language

 

Essential functions

• Ability to keyboard

• License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

• Ability to travel, including overnight

• Ability to interact with people with disabilities

• Comfort speaking in front of groups

• Excellent interpersonal skills: KEJC works internally and externally in teams and coalitions and therefore seeks a Staff Attorney who will help establish and maintain a healthy culture of collaboration

• Comfort working in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity to language and cultural issues

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving and skills

• Facility with social media and web-based communications tools

• Ability to be a self-starter in developing and carrying out activities, to take initiative and work independently, as well as in a team

• Knowledge of low-income issues

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion​​

​

Location

KEJC has offices in Lexington and Louisville, but we seek to hire the most outstanding candidate for this position regardless of where they live in Kentucky. We consider geographic diversity within Kentucky both a strength and a challenge. We will explore it with candidates invited to interview for the positions.

 

Salary and Benefits

Salary based on experience and our salary scale. Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life and disability coverage. KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.

 

Grant Funded Position with Potential Renewal

This position is funded by a grant from Vital Strategies through September 2023 with a strong likelihood of renewal for additional years. Over time, sustainability will depend on locating new sources of support.

 

Starting Date: April 15, 2022, or as soon as possible.

​

Application Instructions

To apply, please use our app (https://bit.ly/work-at-kejc) to upload as a single .pdf document:

• a cover letter

• your resume

• a list of three references with their phone numbers and email addresses, and

• 2-3 examples of recent work that you feel is generally relevant to this position

​

Recent work materials might include:

• legal briefs

• policy papers

• videos or slides of presentations you are proud of

• one-pagers explaining an issue to lay people, and/or

• op-eds or blog posts

​

If these materials are available online, you may provide them by linking to them in the cover letter or in a separate document in the single .pdf upload.

 

If you need an accommodation or assistance to submit your application and materials, please email ben@kyequaljustice.org.

​

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

​

Application Deadline: April 3, 2023

 

Diversity Statement

KEJC welcomes your application. Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, limited English proficiency, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law, statute, or ordinance.

​

Communications Coordinator position filled

 

Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) seeks a versatile communications specialist to enhance the impact of our advocacy, outreach, and fundraising. The Communications Coordinator will generate, gather, and distribute information and stories that:

 

• communicate the benefits and outcomes of health care access in Kentucky and demonstrate the value of a robust public assistance safety net

• affirm and support the right of Kentuckians to food, shelter, and workplace policies that make work pay, make it safe, and make it family friendly

• inform debate and engage a growing social media audience in policy issues that affect low-income Kentuckians and working families

• illustrate and foster equal access to justice

• support our fundraising and development

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator will work with our director, staff, and partner organizations to:

 

• Establish and implement a communications calendar identifying audiences, topics, stories,  and distribution channels including paid media, earned media, and social media

• Develop down-to-earth, non-partisan stories and messages that share concrete and accurate information about the implementation and impact of health reform in Kentucky

• Help develop messaging themes and campaigns around advocacy topics from housing to hunger to immigration

• Find low-income Kentuckians and other stakeholders willing to tell their story; obtain consent; meet deadlines for posting; and manage the resulting story bank

• Create, schedule, and post KEJC social media messages consistent with the communications plan

• Participate in national social media campaigns consistent with KEJC advocacy

• Ensure reliability, consistency, clarity, and relevance in the use of data, including use of infographics to illustrate concepts and trends

• Engage and empower respondents to our messages to participate in advocacy on their own behalf

• Coordinate media outreach including press releases, press events, and editorial board contacts

• Monitor print, broadcast, and social media for project-relevant articles and postings to share

• Track relevant metrics to see whether messages reach and engage intended audiences

• Keep up to date on state and federal programs and proposals that affect low income Kentuckians

• Assist in reporting to funders and our board

 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

 

• Outstanding communications skills, both written and oral, including ability to craft messages for diverse public audiences

• Organizational skills sufficient to manage a project with multiple contributors, tasks, and deadlines

• Comfort and experience reaching out to both affected Kentuckians and professionals in multiple and diverse community settings

• Experience and skill in creating, scheduling, and maximizing distribution of content for web-based and social media, including websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and broadcast email

• Knowledge of print and broadcast media outlets in Kentucky, especially through internships or past employment

• Skills in gathering, managing, and posting audio and video content on social media  

• Successful experience with a communications, marketing, or other short-term informational campaign

• Ability to work with a high level of independence while part of a team

• Knowledge of low-income issues and a commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion

• A valid drivers’ license and reliable transportation

 

The ideal candidate will have completed undergraduate studies in journalism, communications, or marketing and participated in at least one prior relevant project or campaign.  Substantive knowledge of low-income policy issues a plus—especially health, hunger, housing, consumer protection, and public benefits.     

 

Location

Remote work permitted.  KEJC has offices in Lexington and Louisville.  We seek to hire the most outstanding candidate for the position.  We consider geographic diversity within Kentucky both a strength and a challenge.  We will explore it with candidates invited to interview.

​

Salary and Benefits

Salary based on experience and our salary scale.  Illustrative examples:  $40,956 at three years, $51,620 at 10 years.  Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life, and disability coverage.  KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.

​

Note that we will consider proposals from candidates who operate as and meet the criteria for independent contractors, as well as candidates available for part-time work up to 20 hours a week who can succeed with project deliverables.  $18.75 to $33.71 an hour DOE for part-time employment (benefits not included). 

​

Grant Funded Position

The Communications Coordinator position is made possible by a diverse set of grants.  We anticipate the position will remain full-time for several years, but continuation is contingent on successful renewal of grants and our annual budget process.

​

Starting Date:  March 1, 2023, or as soon as possible.

​

Application Instructions

To apply, please email a cover letter, writing sample, resume and a list of three references to:

​

Richard Seckel, Director

Kentucky Equal Justice Center

richseckel@kyequaljustice.org

​

Please put “Communications Coordinator” in the subject line of your email.  For each reference, include a phone number and email address. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Application Deadline

February 7, 2023.  Note that we will interview promising candidates on a rolling basis.

​

For more information

Contact Richard Seckel, Director, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY  40507.  Email:  richseckel@kyequaljustice.org.  Phone:  859-233-3057.

 

Diversity Statement
KEJC encourages your application.  Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, limited English proficiency, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law, statute, or ordinance.  See our full diversity statement.

​

Immigration Attorney / Program Director position filled

 

Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) seeks an attorney with immigration law experience to direct its vibrant immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (MSLC) in Lexington.  The Program Director Attorney will engage in:

​

Legal representation:  a variety of immigration proceedings including family-based petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, citizenship and U and T visa applications

Program management:  oversight of case intake and our online case management system; staff training and supervision; program-related fundraising and grant reporting

Outreach and education:  provision of clear, reliable information to practitioners, the public and immigrant community about immigration and immigration law

​

The position may also involve occasional policy advocacy around immigration-related matters, primarily at the state level.  The position is full time.

​

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Director Attorney will:

​

• Supervise initial intake interviews of clients  

• Review intake information and determine whether to accept representation

• Represent clients before federal agencies and occasionally in state court

• Conduct limited litigation and appellate work

• Engage in occasional policy advocacy before administrative and legislative bodies

• Conduct outreach to client communities

• Provide education to service providers, the legal community, and the community at large

• Provide technical assistance on immigration law matters to attorneys and advocates

• Participate in program-related grant writing, reporting, and fundraising efforts

• Train, supervise, and manage MSLC staff, law school interns, and volunteers

• Oversee day-to-day operations of MSLC, including intake and case management systems, with supervision and direction from KEJC Executive Director and Senior Staff attorney

 

Education and Experience
Juris Doctor with at least three years of immigration law experience preferred, plus active bar membership (preferably in Kentucky).

 

Additional Qualifications

 

• Knowledge of issues affecting low-income immigrants

• Excellent research and analytical skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing

• Experience with case management, program, and grants management

• Experience designing and delivering trainings for diverse audiences

• Experience supervising non-attorneys and volunteers

• Experience working with diverse constituencies

• Self-motivation and ability to take initiative

• Strong commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish and English

• Active membership in a state bar and willingness to seek admission to the Kentucky bar if not a member

 

Location

Maxwell Street Legal Clinic is located in Lexington, Kentucky, between downtown and the University of Kentucky.

​

Salary and Benefits 

Salary based on experience and our salary scale.  Illustrative examples:  $50,256 at three years, $61,620 at 10 years.  Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life and disability coverage.  KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.

 

Application Instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and a list of three references to:   

 

Richard Seckel, Director

Kentucky Equal Justice Center

richseckel@kyequaljustice.org

 

References should include an email address and phone number. 

 

Application Deadline

January 17, 2023.  Note that we will interview promising candidates on a rolling basis.   

 

For more information

Richard Seckel, Director, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY, 40507.  Email:  richseckel@kyequaljustice.org.  Phone:  859-233-3057 or 859-312-8491. 

 

​Diversity Statement

KEJC encourages your application. Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, limited English proficiency, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law.

​

Kentucky Equal Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.

 

_____

 

Immigration Attorney position filled

​

Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) seeks an attorney with immigration law experience to join its vibrant immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic in Lexington. The Immigration Attorney will engage in:

​

• Immigration application assistance:  a variety of immigration applications including citizenship, family petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and U and T visas to assist victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes

• Outreach and education:  provision of clear, reliable information to practitioners, the public and the immigrant community about immigration and immigration law

​

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

​

• Provide legal counsel and representation for clients in a variety of immigration matters

• Prepare cases for submission to the federal agency issuing immigration benefits

• Occasionally represent juveniles before family and probate court for matters ancillary to immigration legal work (when licensed to practice law in Kentucky)

• Conduct public education and outreach on immigration law and forms of relief available

• Collaborate with local community organizations and partners

• Competently manage cases, including use of our immigration law case management system

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files

• Keep up-to-date records needed for reporting

• Participate in grant compliance, reporting, and fundraising

​

Education and Experience

Preferred qualification:

​

• Juris Doctor with bar membership in Kentucky. We will consider candidates qualified to be admitted by waiver or with potential to become licensed within six months of hire, including May 2023 law graduates for this position.

​

Additional Qualifications

The ideal candidate also will demonstrate:

 

• A high level of proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred), but we will consider experience or ability to work with interpreters

• Knowledge of, and experience in, working with people who are foreign-born representing different cultures and economic backgrounds

• Ability to manage a client caseload for immigration legal benefits

• Ability to work well independently and in a small team of immigration attorneys, legal assistants, students, and volunteers

 

Location

Maxwell Street Legal Clinic is located in Lexington, KY, near the University of Kentucky campus.

​

Salary

Salary based on experience and our salary scale. Illustrative examples: $43,200 for new law grads, $46,704 at two years, $59,820 at ten years. 

 

Benefits

Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life, and disability coverage. Optional vision coverage at employee expense. KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.  We offer three weeks of paid annual leave to start.  

Employees accumulate three weeks of paid sick leave each year. 

​

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

 

Application Instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and a list of three references to:   

 

Allison Hight, Interim Program Director

ahight@kyequaljustice.org

 

References should include email address and phone number. 

 

Application Deadline 

Open until filled.

​

For more information 

Contact Allison Hight, Interim Director, Maxwell Street Legal Clinic.  Email:  ahight@kyequaljustice.org.  Phone:  859-233-3840. 

 

Diversity Statement

KEJC welcomes your application. Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, limited English proficiency, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law, statute, or ordinance.

​

​

Housing Justice Outreach Lead  position filled

Kentucky Equal Justice Center seeks an energetic, organized, and experienced person to lead our statewide housing outreach efforts. The Housing Outreach Lead will report to KEJC’s Housing Justice Attorney, work with community organizations and grassroots organizers around the state, and supervise other housing outreach staff at KEJC.

 

The Housing Outreach Lead will be a pivotal part of KEJC’s versatile outreach and advocacy team and will work in collaboration with our Legal Aid partners and our own immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic. The goal: to keep Kentuckians safe and housed during the pandemic and beyond.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Housing Outreach Lead will:

​

• In conjunction with the Housing Justice Attorney, supervise and direct the housing outreach work at KEJC

• Develop deep partnerships with other organizations and individuals around the state to 1) promote greater outreach to Kentuckians facing eviction, 2) ensure Kentuckians get the rental assistance for which they are eligible, and 3) prevent unnecessary evictions

• Develop detailed and up-to-date knowledge of rental assistance programs available, including eligibility rules and where and how to apply, in programs run both by the Kentucky Housing Corporation and Community Action for Fayette County

• Establish connections and set up regular channels of communication with all community partners directly involved with the rental assistance programs statewide

• Conduct community outreach through pandemic-safe channels, including presentations, potential radio appearances, tabling at community events, and distribution of flyers in locations where volunteer organizations and individuals can be recruited to support the ongoing efforts of the rental assistance program

• Meet with people who are being evicted or who are in danger of eviction to assess their needs and provide them with information about housing resources

• Address barriers that interfere with clients’ ability to effectively participate in saving their housing and conduct activities to connect clients to wrap-around community services

• Provide hands-on application assistance for a limited number of cases; help identify what works and what doesn’t; and advocate for continuous improvement in application and approval processes through the channels established with the other community partners

• Prepare a variety of housing-oriented outreach materials in consultation with our Senior Counsel and Housing Justice Attorney, including flyers, webinars, presentations, and blogs

• Work with our Communications Coordinator to develop and target social media messages that encourage and empower people to get rental assistance and legal help

• Work closely with our Housing Justice Attorney and Senior Counsel to understand and improve the functionality of our online apps to connect people with rental protections, assistance, and legal help

• Coordinate and collaborate with KEJC and all legal aid program staff through Zoom calls and meetings, including development of a language access plan, referral pathways for potential direct representation, and continuous improvement of system and support

• Assist Kentucky Equal Justice Center’s Director, Housing Justice Attorney, and Resource Organizer in reporting on project activities and outcomes 

• Participate in professional development in communication, organizing, or other skills related to the above job duties and responsibilities, attend Consumer & Housing Task Force meetings coordinated by Housing Justice Attorney

 

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

​

• Two years or more relevant education or experience (college graduation preferred)

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a focus on clear communications to public audiences

• Comfort speaking in front of groups

• Comfort working in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity to language, race, ethnicity and cultural issues

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use office and computer technology, including case management, spreadsheets and word-processing software

• Facility with social media and web-based communications tools

• Ability to work within a team but also to be a self-starter in developing and carrying out activities

• Knowledge of low-income issues

• Commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion

​

Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish, is strongly preferred.

​

Location

KEJC has offices in Lexington and Louisville, but we seek to hire the most outstanding candidate for this position. We consider geographic diversity within Kentucky both a strength and a challenge. We will explore it with candidates invited to interview for the position.

​

Salary and Benefits

Salary based on experience and our salary scale.  Illustrative examples:  $40,504 at two years, $45,460 at five years. Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life and disability coverage. KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.

​

Grant Funded Position with Potential Renewal

The Housing Outreach Lead position is funded through a subgrant from the Kentucky Housing Corporation from American Rescue Plan, Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) funds. Over time, sustainability may depend on new sources of support.

​

Starting Date:  November 1, 2021, or as soon as possible.

​

Application Instructions

To apply, please email a cover letter, writing sample, resume and a list of three references to:

​

Stefanie Ebbens Kingsley, Housing Justice Attorney

Kentucky Equal Justice Center

stefanie@kyequaljustice.org

​

Please put “Housing Outreach Lead” in the subject line of your email. For each reference, include a phone number and email address. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

​

Application Deadline:  October 21, 2021

​

For more information

Contact Stefanie Ebbens Kingsley, Housing Justice Attorney, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY 40507. Email: stefanie@kyequaljustice.org.

​

Diversity Statement

KEJC welcomes your application. As an organization, we are committed to anti-racism and are working to build a racial justice framework into our programming and policy initiatives. We acknowledge our history as a predominately white organization and are committed to ending white supremacy. Doing so is essential to our objective of full equality for all people.

​

KEJC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

​

Women, people of color, transgender individuals and members of other underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. KEJC also supports and encourages people who were formerly convicted to be active in their community. Background checks results that indicate a conviction do not necessarily disqualify you from employment. KEJC reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant’s candidacy in relation to the job duties associated with the position.

​

Housing Outreach Organizer & Intake Coordinator position filled

Kentucky Equal Justice Center seeks one to two energetic Housing Outreach Workers to:

 

• help low-income residents of Kentucky who are facing eviction apply for rental assistance, get legal help with evictions, and get referrals to other community resources

• provide intake support to the Housing Justice Project clients

• work with community partners across the state to prevent Kentuckians from being evicted and to stabilize housing for low-income and marginalized Kentuckians

 

The Housing Outreach Organizer & Intake Coordinator will join our versatile outreach and advocacy team in a collaborative effort with all four regional Kentucky legal aid programs and with our own immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic. The goal: to keep Kentuckians safe and housed during the pandemic and beyond.

​

Duties and Responsibilities

The Housing Outreach Organizer will:

 

• Develop detailed and current knowledge of rental assistance programs available, including eligibility rules and where and how to apply, in programs run by both the Kentucky Housing Corporation and Community Action for Fayette County

• Establish connections and participate in communications with all community partners directly involved with the rental assistance programs statewide

• Help staff and support community outreach through pandemic-safe channels, including presentations, tabling at community events, potential radio appearances, and distribution of flyers in locations where volunteer organizations and individuals can be recruited to support the ongoing efforts of the rental assistance program

• Promote and make referrals to rental assistance application clinics and other resources provided by Legal Aid Program staff or KEJC Housing Justice attorneys

• Field incoming housing-related inquiries by phone, web, and email and provide appropriate information, intake, or referral to rental assistance application clinics and other resources provided by Legal Aid program staff

• Meet with people who are being evicted or who are in danger of eviction to assess their needs and provide them with information about housing resources

• Address barriers that interfere with clients’ ability to effectively participate in saving their housing and conduct activities to connect clients to wrap-around community services

• Provide hands-on application assistance for a limited number of cases; help identify what works and what doesn’t; and advocate for continuous improvement in application and approval processes through the channels established with the community partners

• Help and support the Housing Outreach Lead to create housing-oriented outreach materials in consultation with our Senior Counsel and Housing Justice Attorney, including flyers, webinars, presentations, and blogs

• Work with other KEJC staff to develop content and target social media messages that encourage and empower people to get rental assistance and legal help

• Work closely with our Housing Justice Attorney and Senior Counsel to understand and improve the functionality of our online apps to connect people with rental protections, assistance, and legal help

• Coordinate and collaborate with KEJC and legal aid program staff through Zoom calls and meetings, including development of a language access plan, referral pathways for direct representation, and continuous improvement of systems and support

• Assist Kentucky Equal Justice Center’s Director, Housing Justice Attorney, and Resource Organizer in reporting on project activities and outcomes 

• Participate in professional development in communication, organizing, or other skills related to the above job duties and responsibilities, attend Consumer & Housing Task Force meetings coordinated by Housing Justice Attorney

 

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

​

• Two years or more relevant education or experience (college graduation preferred)

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a focus on clear communications to public audiences

• Comfort speaking in front of groups

• Comfort working in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity to language, race, ethnicity and cultural issues

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use office and computer technology, including case management, spreadsheets and word processing software

• Facility with social media and web-based communications tools

• Ability to work within a team but also to be a self-starter in developing and carrying out activities

• Knowledge of low-income issues

• Commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion

​

Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish, is strongly preferred.

​

Location

KEJC has offices in Lexington and Louisville, but we seek to hire the most outstanding candidate for this position. We consider geographic diversity within Kentucky both a strength and a challenge. We will explore it with candidates invited to interview for the positions.

​

Salary and Benefits

Salary based on experience and our salary scale.  Illustrative examples:  $39,304 at two years, $44,260 at five years. Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life and disability coverage. KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state employee plans.

​

Grant Funded Position with Potential Renewal

The Housing Outreach Organizer and Intake Coordinator position is funded through a subgrant from the Kentucky Housing Corporation from American Rescue Plan, Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) funds. Over time, sustainability may depend on new sources of support.

​

Starting Date:  November 1, 2021, or as soon as possible.

​

Application Instructions

To apply, please email a cover letter, writing sample, resume and a list of three references to:

​

Stefanie Ebbens Kingsley, Housing Justice Attorney

Kentucky Equal Justice Center

stefanie@kyequaljustice.org

​

Please put “Housing Outreach Organizer” in the subject line of your email. For each reference, include a phone number and email address. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

​

Application Deadline:  October 21, 2021

​

For more information

Contact Stefanie Ebbens Kingsley, Housing Justice Attorney, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY 40507. Email: stefanie@kyequaljustice.org.

​

Diversity Statement

KEJC welcomes your application. As an organization, we are committed to anti-racism and are working to build a racial justice framework into our programming and policy initiatives. We acknowledge our history as a predominately white organization and are committed to ending white supremacy. Doing so is essential to our objective of full equality for all people.

​

KEJC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

​

Women, people of color, transgender individuals and members of other underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. KEJC also supports and encourages people who were formerly convicted to be active in their community. Background checks results that indicate a conviction do not necessarily disqualify you from employment. KEJC reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant’s candidacy in relation to the job duties associated with the position.

​