Project Assistant, Family Law

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 Project Assistant to assist attorneys in its Family Law Project at the NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan, 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, performing administrative tasks, such as data compilation and organizing files, conducting community outreach and education in Manhattan, and collaborating with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The Project Assistant will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan.

Responsibilities

• Assists project attorneys in all aspects of litigation support, including drafting and editing legal documents, conducting client interviews, writing correspondence, gathering evidence, maintaining case tracking systems, requesting transcripts, obtaining court records, and filing and serving papers
• Assists in the coordination of and provides administrative support to pro se clinics
• Works closely with and supports the work of the Consultation Attorney
• Performs direct advocacy on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions
• Assists attorneys by conducting intakes with clients, scheduling them for appointments and corresponding with them as needed
• Refers clients to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families and the FJC
• Writes and prepares grant applications on behalf of clients to support their economic stability and to provide emergency financial assistance
• Provides administrative and case support for project attorneys, including maintaining client databases and client files, and assisting attorneys with case preparation
• Assists project attorneys in organizing trainings, meetings, panel presentations and community outreach and education, and conducts community outreach as needed
• Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys.
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties as directed by supervisor

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proactive, efficient, and accurate organizational and administrative skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledgeable and/or interested in learning about legal systems & their impact on survivors of trauma and individuals from marginalized communities
• Ability to work well with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Computer literacy (including MS Office, MS Teams, Adobe Acrobat) in remote and in-office settings, Salesforce is a plus
• Fluency in a community language other than English preferred

Budgeted Salary: $28.93 – $31.95 per hour ($52,650 – $58,158 annualized base salary); based on experience pursuant to wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time – standard 35hours/week; Hourly/Non-Exempt

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

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

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.