LAW FOUNDATION OF SILICON VALLEY

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley uses innovative legal advocacy as a tool for social change. We work tirelessly to ensure that every person in our thriving region is granted the same rights and legal access. Every day, our attorneys, social workers and advocates craft inventive solutions to the life-changing legal issues facing low-income people in Silicon Valley.

Established more than 40 years ago, today our team of 90 attorneys, social workers and staff, together with pro bono volunteers, find stable homes for abused and neglected children, help people living with chronic illnesses access the benefits they need to remain healthy and self-sufficient, provide low-income people access to safe and affordable housing and address a number of other critical issues including domestic violence, discrimination, human trafficking, mental health and more.

Community Housing and Health Fellow

SAN JOSE, CA
Hybrid or Remote: Hybrid*
Supervisor: Supervising Attorney, Health and Supervising Attorney, Housing



JOB DESCRIPTION

The Innovator would be supporting both the Law Foundation’s Housing and Health program, with a focus on unhoused advocacy work. Job duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Engage in policy advocacy including research and writing, writing reports related to policy advocacy, writing advocacy letters to legislative bodies, and meeting with elected officials. Policy issues that the Innovator may work on include anti-displacement policies, tenant protection including rent stabilization, and just cause eviction protections;
  • Investigate potential systemic issues including research, writing, public records reviews, and in-person surveying;
  • Attend, monitor, and provide feedback at community meetings, government body meetings, task force meetings, and other meetings and/or hearings related to systemic advocacy;
  • Conduct outreach and community education presentations and produce educational materials related to housing rights, economic rights, patients’ rights, and other legal issues confronted by low-income individuals;
  • Support program and organization-wide initiatives, including race equity;
  • Observe eviction court in San Jose and participate in CourtWatch, track and monitor data, trends, and outcomes for tenants;
  • Under the supervision of an experienced attorney, participate in jail advocacy efforts, including conducting interviews with inmates, tracking jail compliance with health and safety mandates, and reporting back on findings;
  • Support Health and Housing staff, advocates, and attorneys in case work and case management;
  • Assist with client intake, referrals, and administrative tasks such as data entry, as needed;
  • Participate in Law Foundation activities, such as program meetings and special events;
  • Support program and organization-wide initiatives, including the race equity inclusion initiative;
  • Assist underserved populations, including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ community, immigrant/refugee communities, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and/or mental health disabilities, unstably housed individuals, people using drugs, and system-impacted individuals, in line with the Law Foundation’s Race Equity Inclusion principles.
 

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems;
  • Ability to analyze, write and present ideas clearly and concisely;
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a team;
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated;
  • Have a passion for social justice and race equity;
  • Ability to treat unhoused individuals, mental health consumers, and/or persons with other disabilities with dignity and respect;
  • Connections to and experience working with communities of color and people living with disabilities;
  • Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn new technology as needed;
  • Basic ability to access, process, and organize data;
  • Interest or passion for community-driven advocacy and policy advocacy.
 

REMOTE WORK DETAILS

Hybrid work schedule. Required to be in office a minimum of two days a week. Days in office to be discussed with supervisor.

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