Community Advocate

The MinKwon Center for Community Action is seeking a dedicated and talented individual to serve as a Community Advocate. The Community Advocate will have the opportunity to work directly with low- and middle-income immigrant communities in need of public benefits and tax filing assistance, as well as with other staff on the implementation of various Social Services programs.

Title : Community Advocate

Program Area : Social Services

Supervisor : Development Director

Location : Flushing, NY (most remote due to COVID-19 with some essential in-office work)

Salary : Starting at $50,000 per year, DOE

Benefits : Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage; Paid Time Off, Comp Time, Transit Benefits, Professional Developemnt

Employment Type : Full-Time, Union Position with TWU Local 241

Organization History & Mission

The MinKwon Center for Community Action was established in 1984 to meet the needs and concerns of the Korean American community.

Since our founding, we have made a profound presence through various grassroots organizing, education, and advocacy initiatives that address important community issues, including immigration policies at the national, state and city levels, voter rights, and cultural awareness.

The MinKwon Center places a special emphasis on meeting the needs of our marginalized community members, including youth, elderly, recent immigrants, low-income residents, and limited-English-proficient residents.

Job Description

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following :

• Conduct community needs assessments and surveys, and successfully connect clients to MinKwon services
• Work with a diverse coalition of local Flushing community stakeholders to secure resources to alleviate poverty-related concerns
• Perform initial intakes and screenings to assess eligibility for services
• Provide direct assistance with wrap-around housing services to maintain or gain access to affordable housing
• Manage routine client communications, including answering inquiries and following up with cases
• Engage in case advocacy with government agencies and landlords
• Escort tenants for their first court appearance
• Prepare and conduct educational workshops for community members and partners
• Maintain detailed notes in case management system
• General administrative and clerical duties

Qualifications :

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of the following :

• English and Korean proficiency required
• Interest, experience, and demonstrated commitment towards working on social justice issues in the context of the immigrant, Asian American or Korean American community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to be highly organized, to meet deadlines, to manage a high caseload, and take initiative on projects with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams
• Ability and willingness to participate in occasional evening / weekend events
• Bachelor’s degree required
• DACA recipients are highly encouraged to apply.

The MinKwon Center will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled . Due to the high volume of applications, the MinKwon Center will only contact applicants who have been selected for an interview.

Please send a cover letter and resume to :

[email protected]

Note : Please write Community Advocate’ in the subject line of the email.