Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program Advisor

About Us

For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake including: eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud and more. Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area. With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay. As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 30,000 household members including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of ten offices, and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels supported to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to support our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff. 

POSITION Description

Reporting to the Director of Litigation, the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) Advisor is responsible for the implementation and service delivery of LSHV’s EDCAP project. The EDCAP Advisor will provide information and assistance to individuals with higher education debt, which includes federal and private student loans and tuition debt.

This position is based out of the Yonkers Office and requires travel to educational workshops and events throughout Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Sullivan, and Westchester.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prior to providing any services, complete EDCAP’s training for accreditation. Thereafter, complete EDCAP training to maintain accreditation and other training to ensure provision of high-quality services. 
• Conduct intakes via telephone or in-person and open cases as appropriate
• Maintain both physical and electronic files in the case management system for clients and applicants for services; prepare letters and other documents
• Provide individual assistance, advocacy, and support to individuals with higher education debt, which includes assessing and advising individuals about their repayment plan options; accessing and advising individuals about forgiveness, cancellation and discharge programs and assisting with applications; filing requests for information and complaints with servicers and lenders; and mediating issues with loan servicers and lenders.
• Refer individuals to other services and resources to address additional needs
• Provide consumer education presentations based on EDCAP-approved materials
• Attend community events to promote awareness of our EDCAP services.
• Attend EDCAP training, including but not limited to annual intensive training and monthly training.
• Remain current on student loan law as it pertains to the services provided
• Collect and report data as directed by funder on a timely basis
• Collect client stories, at least two per year
• Complete paperwork and case recording in compliance with federal, state and local requirements and LSHV’s Practice Standards
• Support EDCAP Coordinator (LSHV’s consumer attorney) as needed
• Attend and engage in staff meetings, training, and supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in human services
• Knowledge of consumer/student loan law preferred 
• Excellent working knowledge of computers and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and data entry
• Strong written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and seek supervision when necessary
• Valid NYS Driver’s license and vehicle required

Physical Requirements:

•  0-10 lbs. handled occasionally.
•  Negligible weight is handled frequently and constantly. 
•  Work postures consist mostly of sitting, with brief periods of walking.

Salary: $67,235 - $84,604 DOE, union scale, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as a defined contribution to a 403 (b), loan repayment assistance, and paid parental leave. After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week. Professional development includes access to job-related training, a Mentoring Program, and an Emerging Leaders Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.