Asian Law Caucus

Asian Law Caucus (ALC) seeks a Cantonese-speaking Community Advocate for its Housing Rights Program. The Community Advocate is an integral member of our Housing Rights team, which adopts a multi-pronged approach to housing defense and anti-displacement. The program provides holistic, community legal services and know-your-rights education to low-income and immigrant tenants who face threats of displacement due to gentrification and other economic pressures. The program also works with tenants, tenant associations and groups of tenants to fight back against displacement and harassment. Staff also actively participate in community coalitions and work closely with tenants and grassroots advocates to use policy advocacy and impact litigation to protect and advance the rights of low-income communities of color.

The Community Advocate will specialize in supporting clients and community members at all phases of advocacy, including through clinics and limited and full-scope representation. Many of our clients are limited English proficient Cantonese speakers. Consistent with ALC’s multi-pronged approach, the Community Advocate’s direct services work will be integrated with impact strategies and community empowerment work. Depending on need and capacity, the Community Advocate will support this work by participating in community coalitions and representing ALC in opportunities for community outreach and engagement.This position reports to the Housing Rights Program Managing Attorney.

ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought for access to affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color, across our Housing Rights, Workers’ Rights, Immigrant Justice, and National Democracy Initiative programs, and other emerging areas of law.

ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our location in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights.

Client Advocacy and Legal Support:

• →Conduct intakes with and interview clients, in particular those who require in-language services, and assist with case development, including with fact-gathering.
• →Collaborate with attorneys, community advocates, paralegals, and other staff to achieve client and organizational advocacy goals.
• →Provide administrative support with client data and documents and advocacy support at meetings with clients and groups of clients, in particular those who require in-language services.
• →Provide logistical support to clients, as necessary to ensure they can attend necessary appointments or appearances, and under the supervision of an attorney, provide legal advice and brief services to clients at ALC’s Housing Rights legal clinics and other clinics as needed.
• →Accompany clients to meetings, interviews, and other necessary appointments or appearances, either offsite or virtual.
• →Support and assist clients in exercising their rights and accessing needed resources.

Language Support

• →Serve as an in-language point of contact and maintain accessible Chinese-language contact services for Housing Rights clients using communication platforms determined by our client communities’ needs.
• →Provide interpretation and translation for clients and ALC staff, as needed.

Community Outreach and Strategic Engagement

• →Develop and maintain relationships with community members and community partners as it relates to supporting our clients and client advocacy goals
• →Collaborate with allies and organizations in joint community efforts and initiatives
• →Conduct community outreach about tenant rights and develop related educational materials

• Fluency in Cantonese
• Ability to read and write at a proficient level in Chinese
• Bachelor’s degree, or combination of equivalent education and work experience
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income, people of color, immigrant, tenant, or worker communities
• Excellent research, analytical, written and oral communication skills, and strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, and exercise good judgment
• Ability to work well with diverse groups and individuals
• Ability to work well under time pressure
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings
• Proficient with Google and Microsoft Suite.

• Fluency in Mandarin
• Familiarity with San Francisco’s housing rights landscape
• Experience working with community members who are experiencing stressful situations
• Experience with community organizing, coalition building or advocacy campaigns
• Experience with or knowledge about housing, homelessness, land use, or community development

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit via BreezyHR the following:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
2. Resume
3. One writing sample (no more than five (5) pages)
4. Three (3) professional references (including at least two direct supervisors)

Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including HIV, cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim and survivor status, political affiliation, height, weight, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.