Staff Attorney - Anti-Trafficking Program

Job Description

Job Description

Safe Horizon’s Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP) applies a multi-tiered approach to eradicating human trafficking. First, we provide intensive case management, supportive counseling and legal services to holistically meet the needs of trafficked persons. While recognizing that client services alone will not turn the tide on human trafficking, our Anti-Trafficking Program also offers a range of services including community education, technical assistance, training and advocacy to foster systemic change.

The Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking, develops and conducts legal trainings, and works closely with our social worker team to holistically support all our clients.

Responsibilities:

• For Program and Client-Facing Staff: Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• For Program and Supervisors Supporting Client-Facing Staff: Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients. Coach and guide staff in their client practice that reflects these approaches.
• Conducts in-depth interviews with clients to assess potential immigration relief as well as other legal needs, including eligibility for T-visas, U-visas, Continued Presence, and other forms of relief for human trafficking survivors.
• Seeks immigration remedies on behalf of clients. Prepares T and U Visa applications, Adjustment of Status applications, consular processing, and other appropriate forms of relief for human trafficking survivors
• Provides information and options to clients related to the criminal justice system.
• Accompanies client to court appearances and interviews with law enforcement agents related to trafficking case, and provides other criminal justice advocacy as needed.
• Drafts all legal documents and makes court appearances with clients when necessary.
• Responsible for assisting clients with a holistic range of services, including advocacy on non-legal issues and referrals for additional non-immigration related legal needs.
• Coordinates with internal program social workers, external social providers, and law enforcement agencies
• Maintains clients’ case files and all internal data logs.
• Maintains monthly statistical reports and case narratives documenting case representation, provision of legal advocacy and referrals, including statistical data provided to funders.
• Conducts legal anti-trafficking presentations and trainings to community-based organizations, other legal service providers, government agencies and law enforcement, in collaboration with the Training and Outreach Manager.
• Develops and maintains relationships with individuals, organizations and government agencies within the immigration and human trafficking advocacy communities locally and nationally.
• Actively participates in bi-weekly staff meetings with a small and dynamic team.

Qualifications:

• Must have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to a state bar. Current law school students will not be considered for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to convey legal concepts to lay people.
• The ability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, visa applications and related documentation, pleadings and correspondence in a clear, concise and effective manner is essential.
• Must be creative and have critical thinking skills.
• Must be a persuasive and effective public speaker.
• Must possess demonstrated appropriate communications skills for a variety of audiences including client populations, colleagues, law enforcement, and local, state and federal lawmakers.
• Problem-solving, prioritizing, time management, team-building and organizational skills are also essential.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with various individuals, organizations and government agencies is essential.
• Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish required; additional language fluency preferred.

Experience:

• Must have 2-3 years of experience providing direct legal services in immigration, human trafficking and/or related field.
• Familiarity with legal services, resources and procedures available to immigrant communities in New York City preferred.
• Must have experience working in social justice and/or human rights fields and be familiar with the underlying social issues impacting survivors of human trafficking, violent crime, domestic violence, torture, and/or flight from persecution in other countries.
• Prior experience organizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges is preferred.
• Prior experience working with immigrant populations and/or crime victim populations preferred.
• Prior experience in the field of human trafficking preferred.

Union Representation Notice

This position is represented by a labor union and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as well as relevant Safe Horizon policies and procedures.

Per the CBA, employees in this position are not required to become members of the union as a condition of employment. However, employees who choose not to join the union remain covered by the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and may be subject to any lawful obligations outlined in the agreement.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Technology Statement:

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information:
-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

Hiring Range: $64,000.00 - $67,500.00 Annually
Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week
Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center