Domestic Violence/Family Law Paralegal
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Salary: $53,040 to $57,040
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;
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
