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 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 Senior 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;
• Supervise the work of other IIP project assistants, interns and volunteers, as ensuring their effective performance and development;
• Responsible for liaising with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn Family Court, and NYPD in helping obtain U certifications on behalf of potential clients;
• 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;
• Provide trainings within the borough, within the community and to other providers on issues concerning immigrant survivors of gender-based violence;
• 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Partner with government and community based organizations and other community partners to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic and other forms of gender based violence;
• Collaborate with staff from the District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to best assist immigrant survivors;
• Collaborate with Sanctuary for Families’ various departments on behalf of clients;
• Collaborate with all staff in the Immigration Intervention Project, and with colleagues in the Legal Department, the Clinical Department, and Economic Empowerment Program.

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum 2 years of relevant work experience required;
• Bilingual English and a relevant community language (e.g. Spanish, French, Russian) preferred;
• 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;

Budgeted Salary: $30.60 - $33.80 per hour ($55,688 -$ 61,514 annualized); based on experience, pursuant to terms of collective bargaining agreement  

Work position is Full-time/35 hrs/wk; Hourly/Non-Exempt

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

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  
•     Wellness program and rewards

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.