Job Description

YWCA Kalamazoo is on a Mission!

 At YWCA Kalamazoo, we look for people who want to make a difference and do something that MATTERS. YWCA Kalamazoo is your ally who is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. When you work for YWCA Kalamazoo, you become part of a worldwide movement: eliminating racism and empowering women.

Simply put, YWCA Kalamazoo draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power to attain a common vision of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

Our employee-centric philosophies focus on taking care of you and promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a benefits package tailored with YOU in mind!

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

PRIMARY FUNCTION:   The YWCA Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking in an array of proceedings to assist them in stabilizing their lives and when seeking justice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Applicants must possess a law degree from an accredited institution and be licensed in Michigan.
2. Membership and good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
3. Preferred candidates will have at least three years’ experience working with marginalized and victimized populations in the context of providing civil legal or social services, or in the context of serving in prosecution or indigent defense
4. Must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender background checks.
5. Strong personal work ethic and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
6. Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills, with ability to be detail oriented.
7. Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team.
8. Curious and self-directed with an ability to anticipate what needs to be done.
9. Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects while maintaining a firm grasp of individual project details.
10. Exhibits humility in working with colleagues and clients across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and/or limited English proficiency.
11. Willingness to take direction, flexibility, ability to be productive in a public workspace, high ethical standard and common sense are all required.
12. Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
13. Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
14. Applicant must have experience in immigration law

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Provides representation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking during case processing, USCIS conducted interviews, and EOIR proceedings.
2. Conducts research on current immigration laws and policies and develops strategic plans to achieve client goals.
3. Prepares, reviews, and submits various immigration applications/petitions, Request for Evidence (RFE) responses, and legal briefs for submission to government agencies, including but not limited to USCIS and EOIR.
4. Provides legal consultations to assess immigration needs and provide clients with legal advice.
5. Represents low-income survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in an array of family court and housing court proceedings, including dissolution, child custody and support, restraining orders, and evictions.
6. Supervises and trains the department of justice accredited representative.
7. Provides advocacy, including entering notices of appearance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking who are participating as witnesses in the criminal prosecution of their perpetrator.
8. Learns and assists with the diverse legal needs of underserved and vulnerable communities in Southwest Michigan.
9. Tracks case outcomes and assists with compilation of aggregate data for reports.
10. Provides workshops and technical assistance to community partners and client communities on immigrant rights, survivor rights, family law, and access.
11. Develops relationships and engage in collaboration with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community-based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing survivors of violence.
12. Possesses a passion and understanding of the unique needs of women and marginalized populations within the civil and criminal justice system as they navigate the aftermath of their victimization.
13. Understands the complex legal systems that survivors come in contact with and be willing to engage in advocacy at any and all points.
14. Interviews survivors in a manner sensitive to the trauma they may have experienced and attuned to honoring their choices.
15. Engages in thorough research and brief writing.
16. Adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards.
17. Engages with police and prosecutors to advocate for victims.
18. Provides legal services including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings.
19. Provides accurate and complete information for grant reporting to grant funders including documenting services in the case records
20. Possesses ability to travel both in-state and limited national travel. This is required.
21. Attends all training required by the grant and by YWCA Kalamazoo.
22. Actively participates in staff committees or task forces focused on services for survivors.
23. Develops and maintains networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client population.
24. Exhibits a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the YWCA Kalamazoo mission.
25. Attends all team and staff meetings, participates in collective team and agency efforts, and complies with all YWCA Kalamazoo policies and practices.
26. Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis.
27. Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices.
28. Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position.
29. Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
30. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community.
31. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
32. Performs other duties as assigned.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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