Project Assistant, Immigration Intervention Project (IIP)

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 11 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Project Assistant at the Family Justice Center is a key position within Sanctuary for Families’ Immigration Intervention Project, a legal services project that represents thousands of survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence, and human trafficking in a broad range of immigration matters.

The Project Assistant provides consultations and application assistance to immigrant survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking in a Family Justice Center. Other responsibilities include conducting community outreach and education, and collaborating with other agencies represented at the Family Justice Center to assist and empower immigrant survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence and human trafficking. The IIP operates from 5 locations in New York City; this Project Assistant works out of a NYC Family Justice Center in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan or the Bronx.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct screening interviews with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States immigration law;
• Work with attorneys in the same Family Justice Center (FJC) to prepare and file immigration applications on behalf of clients;
• Advocate on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions on issues of eligibility for housing, education, and public benefits;
• Translate legal documents;
• Assist in the preparation of clients for interviews with local, state, and federal government agencies and interpret during such meetings, if needed
• Collaborate with staff from District Attorney’s Offices and local law enforcement to best assist immigrant survivors;
• Prepare applications for financial grants on behalf of eligible clients to enhance their economic self-sufficiency;
• Prepare scholarship applications on behalf of eligible clients with plans to advance their education;
• Refer clients to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;
• Coordinate and conduct outreach events with or for community based organizations and other community partners about immigration options for immigrant survivors;
• Maintain accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients;
• Perform administrative support services;
• Perform other project duties or special projects as directed by Senior Staff Attorney, Director, or other senior-level attorneys in the same FJC.

. Requirements:
REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience required;
• Bilingual English and a relevant community language (e.g. Spanish, French, Russian);
• Paralegal or administrative experience preferred;
• 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;
• Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds;

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 characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and shall also follow the requirements of the Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

D.E.I Commitment: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values at Sanctuary for Families that represent our dedication to fostering a safe, respectful, responsive, and fair work environment. We recognize the value diversity holds in embracing all employees, clients, and volunteers regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or professional level.