Senior Project Assistant

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 within Sanctuary for Families’ Queens Family Justice Center (QFJC). The Senior Project Assistant provides leadership in assisting attorneys in its Family Law Project at the NYC Family Justice Center, Queens, in representing survivors of domestic and gender based violence in family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support and matrimonial proceedings.  Other responsibilities include assisting with all aspects of project administration, assisting in onboarding and training fellows and interns, performing administrative tasks, such as data compilation and organizing files, conducting community outreach and education, and collaborating with other agencies to advocate for systemic change.  The Senior Project Assistant will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center, Queens.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in recruiting, training, mentoring, and assigning appropriate tasks to Project Assistants, fellows, interns, and volunteers to support the work of the legal team.
• Provide comprehensive litigation support to project attorneys, including drafting and editing legal documents, gathering evidence, maintaining case tracking systems, and preparing and  filing court documents.
• Assist attorneys with client services, including conducting intakes, scheduling appointments, corresponding with clients, and providing court accompaniment.
• Perform direct advocacy on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions.
• Draft and prepare grant applications to  support clients' economic stability and administer emergency financial assistance.
• Refer clients and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to appropriate legal, social, and community services both within and outside of Sanctuary for Families and the Family Justice Center (FJC).
• Support the coordination and administration of legal clinics, including pro se assistance and attorney consultations.
• Works closely with and supports the work of the Consultation Attorney
• Maintain client files and databases, and support attorneys in case preparation, trial readiness, and clinic operations.
• Organize and participate in outreach events, community education, professional trainings, panel presentations, and other public engagements.
• Serve as liaison to partner agencies and FJC administration to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and service delivery.
• Facilitate clients’ access to  intra-agency resources and donations, ensuring timely and appropriate support.
• Serve on agency committees focused on training and improving services for survivors of gender-based violence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the project, the MFJC legal team, and Sanctuary’s clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience 
• Proactive, efficient, accurate, and highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment; able to juggle multiple priorities; 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; confident public speaker; 
• Knowledge of the legal system and its impact on individuals from marginalized communities; 
• Computer literacy (including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and Adobe); 
• Experience with office systems (e.g. document management, filing, etc.); 
• High level of integrity and professionalism; 
• Fast learner, quick mind and capacity for hard work; 
• Proficiency in a community language, including Spanish, Mandarin, Urdu, Korean or French-Creole is preferred but not required. 

Budgeted Salary: $30.98 - $34.22 per hour (annualized base salary $56,384 - $62,283/yr); based on experience pursuant to wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/week), Hourly/ Non-Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hy