PURPOSE STATEMENT
To provide legal assistance and support to clients of Ayuda’s Domestic Violence/Family Law services, directly via presentations, consultations, and assisting attorneys with various tasks.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?
Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:
- In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
- In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
- That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
- That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
- That diversity and equality make this country better.
WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?
- Screen potential clients for eligibility for Ayuda’s Domestic Violence/Family Law services, under the supervision of attorneys, including providing emergency assessments for survivors of trauma and, where appropriate, referrals;
- Assist attorneys in representing clients seeking domestic violence and/or family law relief, including:
- Meet with clients to prepare documents, court forms, and other evidence under attorney supervision.
- Develop expertise with Ayuda's case management systems, including LegalServer and SharePoint, consistent with Ayuda's policies and procedures.
- When requested, accompany clients for critical appointments and appearances that do not require an attorney.
- Provide administrative support for both legal casework and program needs, including but not limited to, grant administration.
- Work with organizational partners to arrange dates and locations for educational outreach presentations concerning legal services provided by Ayuda;
- Coordinate outreach materials and strategies with input from organizational partners to ensure potential clients are aware of and able to access Ayuda’s services;
- Present at educational outreach events hosted in collaboration with partnering organizations at locations convenient to our client community on domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, family law, protection orders and Ayuda’s legal services;
- Provide other administrative support as needed.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?
Eligibility:
Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
Satisfactory results from a background check to include criminal history and a search of the employee’s name against a national registry of sex offenders.
Education/ Experience/ Skills/ Qualifications:
The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.
Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying!
We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
- Desire to work with interdisciplinary team in representing the best interest of the client.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
- Professionalism with both internal and external customers.
- Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, discrete, resources, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
This position is part-time (approximately 20 hours a week) and temporary.
This position is contingent upon federal funding.
In the event that the relevant federal funding is discontinued, the position may be subject to termination.
The anticipated hourly wage for this position is $26.93-$30.53 per hour, depending on experience.
For example, a candidate with 2 years of relevant professional experience would receive a wage of $28.37 per hour.
This range is the equivalent of $28,002-$31,750 annually, or $56,004-$63,500 annually for an equivalent full-time employee. Candidates with more than 5 years of relevant professional experience may be eligible for a higher wage.
The leave benefits for a part-time employee working 20 hours a week are:
- New employees begin with 12 hours of vacation leave and accrue an additional 3.5 hours per pay period
- New employees begin with 20 hours of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 2.5 hours per pay period
- 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days annually, including Winter Break the last week of the year, which will be pro-rated to 4 hours per holiday
- Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.
Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.
TO APPLY:
Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:
Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.