October 2, 2020

The Coalition For Property Tax Justice is seeking applicants to assist with several research and outreach projects related to the property tax foreclosure crisis in Detroit. The Coalition’s work focuses on the following problem:

From 2011-2015, 1 in 4 Detroit homes have been subject to property tax foreclosure. We have not seen this number of property tax foreclosures since the Great Depression. More troubling, a recent study found that over this period the City assessed between 55%-85% of Detroit homes at rates that violated the Michigan Constitution, placing the unprecedented number of property tax foreclosures in disrepute. For more information, read this op-ed in the New York Times:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/11/opinion/coronavirus-cities-property-taxes.html 

In response to this crisis, the Coalition created the Property Tax Appeal Project (PTAP). This project helps homeowners file protests with the City in order to lower their property tax assessments, in turn lowering their tax bills. The PTAP is looking for students or recent graduates with a social work background to support our clients. Social workers will work with law students to manage a caseload of clients, screen clients for eligibility for home-related programs and services, and connect clients as needed with organizations best equipped to provide needed support. This opportunity would be interesting and helpful for students training in either community or interpersonal levels of practice, as it involves work in both making policy more accessible to residents and engaging Detroiters directly through conducting intakes, assessments, and referral coordination.  

Requirements: Applicants must have client management experience and a background in social work. Candidates must be able to work independently and meet deadlines. Applicants with a strong connection to Detroit and interest in housing justice are preferred. Please submit a cover letter and resume on the job application form https://forms.gle/pjKL1UFGj3CrTCqd6 by no later than October 12, 2020. Please indicate in your cover letter the number of hours per week and the time period during which you would be available to work remotely. If you have any questions about the job or your application, reach out to Erin Stanley (erin.stanley2@wayne.edu) or Nicholas Norton (nicholas.norton@wayne.edu).  

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