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
Sanctuary for Families seeks a Senior Project Assistant to closely assist attorneys with the Courtroom Advocates Project (CAP) and Campus Advocates Project (CAP 2). CAP recruits, trains, and supervises hundreds of law students and law firm associates each year to act as advocates for victims of domestic violence who are seeking to obtain orders of protection from New York City's Family Courts. CAP 2 provides legal assistance and support to victims of campus gender violence. The Senior Project Assistant is a motivated individual committed to supporting survivors of gender-based violence who will assist the Project Director and attorneys in all aspects of project coordination. Responsibilities include management of the CAP project, substantive legal and case management assistance for survivors of gender-based violence, client advocacy, and assisting attorneys with all legal and administrative needs. The Senior Project Assistant will work out of the Manhattan Office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Providing administrative assistance for CAP attorneys, including maintaining client database and client files, drafting letters, serving papers, and mailing and filing court documents.
- Assisting CAP-adjacent Campus Advocates Project (CAP 2) attorneys with intakes, general administrative tasks, and project coordination for students undergoing Title IX cases on campuses.
- Supporting the training of law student coordinators at 12 NYC-area law schools and acting as liaison between student advocates and CAP attorneys.
- Serving as the primary contact for the pro bono coordinators and summer associates at close to 40 large New York City law firms each summer.
- Managing an active advocacy caseload to meet clients' needs in the areas of criminal justice, education, housing, public benefits, employment, financial literacy, etc.
- Providing case management for clients as needed.
- Assisting attorneys on complex, highly contested litigation cases, including interviewing clients, drafting legal documents, reviewing and digesting medical records, supervised visitation records, police reports, and other evidence.
- Writing and preparing grant applications on behalf of clients to support their economic stability and to provide emergency financial assistance.
- Editing, updating and distributing the CAP manual and promotional materials, and organizing CAP trainings.
- Frequent intra-agency collaboration with Sanctuary for Families' Clinical, Development, and Economic Empowerment departments.
- Compiling data and drafting reports for funders and agency use.
- Opportunity to represent Sanctuary for Families at local domestic violence outreach events and serve on various agency committees, focusing on intra-agency issues and relationships.
- Mentoring and training newly hired project assistants, interns and volunteers as needed.
- Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience.
- Two years' work experience in legal/social services preferred.
- 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.
- Knowledgeable in legal systems & their impact on survivors of trauma and individuals from marginalized backgrounds.
- Computer literacy (including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and Adobe and internet research) in remote and in-office settings, Salesforce is a plus.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Fast learner, quick mind and capacity for hard work.
- Proficiency in a language in addition to English highly desirable.
Budgeted Salary: $30.59 - $33.79 per hour (annualized base salary $55,688 - $61,514/yr); pursuant to wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement
Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/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 (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
- Generous Leave Policy
- Flexible spending account / Health savings account
- Student loan assistance
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Gym reimbursement program
- Wellness program and rewards
Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. 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.
Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.