DVFL Paralegal

Description

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 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 services, under the supervision of attorneys, for Domestic Violence/Family Law, including providing emergency assessments for survivors of trauma and, where appropriate, referrals; 

• Assist attorneys with preparing and drafting documents, including correspondence and filings;

• Maintain client information and documents using internal database;

• 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;

• Assist in recruiting volunteers & interns to assist Ayuda in providing legal services;

• Provide front-desk coverage and other administrative support as needed when Ayuda’s intake specialist is out of the office, such as answering and properly routing phone calls; providing appropriate referrals to callers or visitors; and reviewing, organizing and, as appropriate, scanning incoming mail to staff;

Requirements

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:

Required:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish

• Detail-oriented and able to comply with deadlines

• Organized and able to handle multiple matters simultaneously, as well as able to change direction quickly when required

• Able to communicate effectively and clearly to diverse audiences and able to exercise judgment in communications with community and coalition groups and client communities

• Able to work effectively and compassionately with diverse populations, including survivors of trauma, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

• Strong writing and editing skills 

• Customer service orientation

• Able to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team

• Calm demeanor under pressure, strong work ethic, and ability to maintain confidentiality

• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong ethics and sound judgment

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary for this position is $53,040 to $57,040, commensurate with experience. 

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:  

· Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid

· Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid

· Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid

· Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid

· Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary

· Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment

· New employees begin with 8 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year

· 12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave

· 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year

· Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)

· Flexible work schedules

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.

Salary : $53,040 - $57,040