Project Assistant- Immigration Intervention Project

About the Organization:

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 comprehensive 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.

About the Opportunity:
The Project Assistant is a key position within Sanctuary for Families' Immigration Intervention Project (IIP), 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 in the Manhattan office provides consultations and application assistance to immigrant victims of gender-based violence in New York City. The Project Assistant works directly with the attorney(s) covered under the same funding agreement on the direct legal representation of immigrant clients; the caseload may vary and is determined, in part, by the terms of the funding agreement that covers the positions. Other responsibilities include conducting community outreach and education and collaborating with other agencies, including those at the New York City Family Justice Centers, to assist best and empower immigrant survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender-based violence, and human trafficking and to advocate on their behalf with systems affecting their lives. The IIP operates from 5 different locations in New York City; this Project Assistant works out of the Manhattan office.
Role and Responsibilities

• Conduct screening interviews with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States immigration law;
• Work with attorney(s) to prepare and file immigration applications for clients;
• Depending on the terms of the funding agreement that covers the position, 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.
• Collaborate with interns and volunteers;
• Advocates with District Attorney's offices and New York Police Department on behalf of clients;
• Prepare requests for educational and financial assistance grants for clients;
• Refer victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;
• Initiate, coordinate, and organize outreach and training with social service agencies;
• Maintain timely and accurate records in the electronic database of current and potential clients;
• Perform administrative support services;
• Perform other duties or special projects as directed by attorney(s) working under the same contract or the Deputy Director or Director of IIP.

Additional Qualifications

• 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, trong communication 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;

The work position is currently Hybrid; one must be able to meet job location schedule obligations.

Vaccination Policy: Proof of vaccination or proof of first dose with scheduled 2nd dose within 30 days is required.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off
• Flex spending account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program

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.