The list below contains examples of the different types of jobs that we offer with our partners to give you an idea of the kind of position you might find with us. This is not the full or final list of potential positions available. Position and placement descriptions vary from year to year.
Position: Detention & LGBT Projects Fellow
Location: Chicago, IL
Mission: NIJC promotes access to justice for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, policy reform and public education.
Specific Duties:
The National Immigrant Justice Center is seeking an Avodah Corps member who would work with detained individuals in the immigration system, who are seeking services of NIJC’s Detention Project and LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative. The fellow would screen individual detainees for eligibility for immigration relief and would assist in the representation of clients in both projects. The fellow would also work with these projects to document human rights abuses suffered by individuals in the immigration detention system. The fellow will also visit jails where immigrants are detained to conduct in-person interviews with individuals. The fellow will use NIJC’s existing database to compile this information, and the fellow will then use it to identify trends in detention conditions. The fellow will be completely integrated into the work of both projects and will participate in weekly meetings and trainings relating to immigration detention.
Characteristics and Skills Needed for the Position:
The Corps member must be bilingual in English/Spanish and have excellent written and oral communication skills. This position is ideal for individuals contemplating law school and who are interested in gaining exposure to a complicated legal system. Applicants should be interested in learning the nuances of the law and interested in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the system.
Training Offered:
NIJC staff, including the Corps member, will participate in various in-person and web-based trainings. He/she will also be provided an orientation, be able to participate in pro bono trainings with supervisor approval, and be provided extensive training on the spot. There is a detailed manual for the project and case manual.
Other Important Considerations:
Because the position entails visits to detention centers, Corps members must be comfortable working with incarcerated individuals and with individuals who have criminal convictions.
Mission Statement:
The ARK’s mission is to create a safety net for Chicagoland Jews in need by providing vital human services within a framework of Jewish values and laws; and to build bridges between volunteers and those in need.
Position Title:
Social Service Assistant
Specific Duties:
Characteristics and Skills Needed for the Position:
Position requires excellent problem-solving skills, basic computer skills and attention to detail, flexibility, warmth and compassion, and the ability adapt to a varying pace, and creativity; knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions a plus.
Training Offered:
Training includes in-services, one-on-one training, observation, didactic instruction, weekly staff meeting attendance and participation, weekly supervision, as well as ongoing availability of co-workers and supervisors. Training will be provided to Corps member so they can conduct financial planning.
Other Important Considerations:
Work hours are consistent (9-5 or or earlier for Avodah meetings and Fridays). The ARK observes Sabbath and Jewish holidays. Modest dress, including wearing a skirt if a woman and a kippah if male required.
Position Title: Community Organizing Coordinator
Location: New York, NY
Mission Statement: Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
Specific Duties: Direct the recruitment, training and mobilization of a network of clients, community members and staff in support of science-based prevention, treatment and care at the city, state, and federal levels of government. Build support for the world’s oldest AIDS organization’s city, state and federal policy agenda. Work closely with GMHC Action Center clients and volunteers to build a broad-based movement for comprehensive sex education, expanded health coverage and treatment, and other policy priorities of GMHC and the HIV/AIDS movement.
Characteristics and Skills Needed for the Position: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Urban Studies, Social Work or related studies or equivalent experience preferred. Proven experience in community education and mass communications. Proven experience recruiting, supervising and deploying volunteers. Excellent public speaking, presentation, training and writing skills. Strong willingness and proven ability to exhibit leadership in coalition with other community partners. Strong organizational skills, and ability to develop and conduct trainings. Familiarity with government budget and policy-making process. Knowledge of HIV policy issues, and ability to work with diverse communities.
Training Offered: Various training opportunities.
Position: Project Assistant
Location: New Orleans, LA
Mission: To improve the health of our New Orleans neighbors by providing high-quality, accessible, community-centric care.
Specific Duties: The project assistant provides support to the neighborhood populations served by the Tulane Community Health Centers by coordinating outreach and in-reach efforts in order to most effectively improve the value of the clinic for the community. The project assistant will work closely with the Community Outreach Coordinator to coordinate health and wellness outreach and in-reach efforts and events including computer literacy classes and exercise events; coordinate strategic planning meetings with the clinics’ team leaders; standardize patient education materials and monthly health topic across all sites; coordinate patient advisory council activities; and work with clinic leadership to advertise and market the clinic to the community. The project assistant will also act as health advocate within the clinic, working one-on-one with patients and alongside providers to get the word out about community events, community resources and healthy options for exercise, nutrition and other determinants of health throughout the city.
Characteristics and Skills Needed for the Position: Independent thinking, self-motivated, organized, leadership and teamwork experience, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Training Offered: HIPAA (patient privacy), learning different roles of staff and providers