Senior Project Assistant, ATI (Temporary, Part Time)

Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Project Assistant is a key position in the Anti-Trafficking Initiative (ATI) program that provides legal services for survivors of human trafficking in a variety of legal areas where survivors need legal intervention. The Senior Project Assistant works with ATI’s holistic service team to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, holistic, and survivor-centered services for our clients of commercial sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking, through legal consultations, direct representation, case management assistance, and community education and outreach. The Senior Project Assistant uses a trauma-informed approach to promote clients’ right to self-determination and provide services in a manner that emphasizes safety, respect, and dignity.

This Senior Project Assistant is temporary and part time (18 hours per week).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct trauma-informed screening interviews with immigrant survivors of human trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States federal immigration law, post-conviction relief under New York State law, or criminal and family court matters; 
• Conduct trauma-informed interviews with immigrant survivors in the preparation of their legal case; 
• Work with attorney(s) to prepare and file immigration applications for clients;
• Work with attorney(s) to prepare and file state court vacaturs; 
• Mentor and collaborate with interns and volunteers, as appropriate;
• Assist with advocacy to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or with advocacy and motion practice to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, and/or federal courts for the best possible outcome in clients’ cases;
• Advocate on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions on issues of eligibility for housing, education, and public benefits;
• Collaborate with attorney(s) to advocate on behalf of clients in family and criminal court proceedings;
• Prepare requests for educational and financial assistance grants for clients;
• Make appropriate legal and social services referrals within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;
• Maintain accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients;
• Perform administrative support services; and
• Perform other duties or special projects as directed by the Supervising Attorney or Director of ATI. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience required;
• Bilingual English and a relevant community language required (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean);
• Paralegal or administrative experience; 
• Experience working with immigrant survivors of gender based violence and/or human trafficking preferred;
• Excellent judgment and attention to detail;
• Strong writing and analytical skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure;
• Energetic and passionate about Sanctuary’s mission of ending gender based violence and human trafficking; and
• Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Budgeted Salary: $30.60 - $33.80 per hour ($28, 641 - $31, 636.80 annualized salary); pro rated based on standard hours per week and length of temporary work period

Work position is Part-time (standard 18 hours per week), Temporary - Hourly/Non-Exempt 

Work schedule is currently Temporary - Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligation

Benefits:

•   Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
•   Accrued sick time

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws. Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ , and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues. In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.

Salary : $31 - $34