Bilingual Legal Advocate, VAWA Unit - Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Agency Name: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Position / Job Title : Bilingual Legal Advocate - VAWA Unit
Location: Seattle, WA
Category : Non-Attorney
Job Description: ABOUT NORTHWEST IMMIGRANT RIGHTS PROJECT:
Founded in 1984, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is a nationally-recognized legal services organization on the front lines of defending and advancing the rights of immigrants. Each year, NWIRP provides direct legal representation and assistance in immigration matters to thousands of people with low incomes who come from over 170 countries and speak over 60 different languages. NWIRP challenges unjust policies through high-impact lawsuits and advocates for laws and policies that respect the rights of immigrants. NWIRP is also a trusted provider of immigration-related community education for immigrant communities and social service providers. NWIRP has a staff of over 130 and an annual budget of over $20 million. NWIRP serves the community through four offices in Washington State (Granger, Seattle, Tacoma and Wenatchee), but the impact of our work is felt nationwide.
JOB SUMMARY:
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a full time bilingual legal advocate to work in our Seattle office’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Unit. The applicant must be fluent in English and Spanish.
The VAWA Unit currently provides direct services, outreach and education throughout the state of Washington to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. The legal advocate in this position will focus on assisting immigrant survivors in applying for adjustment of status to Permanent Residency (“green card” status), by filing affirmative petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and helping to transfer and coordinate cases from the waitlist to other NWIRP staff members, and to Pro Bono attorneys. The legal advocate will also work with other staff members on different types of immigration cases as needed.
The anticipated hours of work are Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with a 30 – 60 minute unpaid lunch. Under NWIRP’s current COVID policies, new staff members must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (unless eligible for an exemption). At the time of this posting, NWIRP staff is operating in a hybrid model, and some in-office work will be expected of this position (at least two days per week). The position may also be eligible for the choice of a full-time in-person work model. A minimum two-year commitment to this position is preferred.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION:
Beginning annual salary is $64,281.53 ($35.32 per hour) and is higher depending on years of directly relevant experience. For example, if you have 10 years of directly relevant experience the annual compensation would be $75,314.75 ($41.38 per hour); 20 years would be $86,032.10 ($47.27 per hour).
NWIRP is proud to be a unionized employer and this full-time position is covered by NWIRP’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. NWIRP offers a generous benefits package, including:
• Fully paid health, vision & dental plans for employee-level coverage with employer-funded HRA and HSA options
• Employer pays 50% of premiums for dependent coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care FSA accounts
• Employer contribution of 3% to 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous paid health-related leave (12 days per year)
• Generous paid vacation (16 days during your first year)
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 6 months of employment, plus the ability to extend with State-paid leave
• 14 paid holidays with the ability to float 5 holidays
• Subsidized transit pass if based out of Seattle
• Employer-paid disability/life/AD&D coverage; Long-term care insurance
• Four weeks of paid sabbatical after every five years of employment at NWIRP
• Eligibility to earn compensatory time
• Relocation bonus for eligible new employees, pursuant to our CBA
COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY, EQUITY AND REPRESENTATION:
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse staff, board, and volunteer base reflective of the communities we serve and that enhances our ability to create a vibrant environment where all members of the NWIRP community thrive. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants (including people who were formerly detained, undocumented, or who have navigated the immigration legal system), women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and language abilities.
NWIRP is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. NWIRP does not discriminate on the basis of class, race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. NWIRP will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please contact HR@nwirp.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Under the supervision of attorneys:
•
o Prepare immigration forms, applications, and supporting documents;
o Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview clients to gather or clarify information;
o Assist in conducting case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws;
• Provide support to VAWA unit staff attorneys and accredited representatives;
• Provide support to other staff members as needed;
• Translate documents;
• Establish, organize and maintain files;
• Maintain document control, tracking and tracing; review case files;
• Search for and retrieve public and private records such as birth certificates or criminal histories;
• Review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness;
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking training, and other duties in a timely manner;
• Participate in NWIRP’s outreach, community education, and development efforts; and
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP’s needs.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; utilize a phone, computer, keyboard, pen and paper. Occasional work on night and weekend hours. Travel may be required. Travel reimbursements apply.
Emotional demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to discuss topics including, but not limited, to discrimination; child abuse, neglect, abandonment; domestic abuse; sexual assault; human trafficking; violence, and psychological trauma.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending immigrant rights and willingness to support NWIRP’s mission, vision, and values;
• Fluent in English and Spanish (additional languages are encouraged);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to organize information in a clear and concise manner, including strong problem-solving, research, and analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently (with competing deadlines) as well as in a diverse team environment;
• Previous immigration law experience preferred;
• Previous work experience with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking desired;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Must be resilient and empathetic with a high level of personal integrity and excellent interpersonal skills when engaging with clients and staff;
• Must be able to efficiently manage multiple tasks, work well under high-stress situations, and anticipate quickly changing needs;
• Ability to interface with the impact of secondary trauma;
• Highly motivated, resourceful, open-minded, and flexible;
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and web peer-to-peer communication platforms; Familiar with G-suite tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Gmail; and
• The applicant must have a valid driver’s license as the position involves some travel.
REPORTS TO:
Supervising Attorney, VAWA Unit
TO APPLY:
You will need to upload a single file document including your cover letter, resume, and list of three (3) references via our careers page: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch. For your cover letter, describe 1) how your lived or work experience make you a good fit for this role; and 2) what are some challenges you are aware of that pose barriers to providing legal services to immigrant client communities. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration please apply by July 17, 2023.
Link to Application: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch
Other Relevant Links:
Application Deadline: July 17, 2023