Job Title: 
Community Advocate, Immigration Project

VOLS’ Mission:  

VOLS’ mission is to leverage the good will, resources, and talents of New York City’s leading law firms to provide pro bono legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers.

Immigration Project: 

The VOLS Immigration Project offers support for immigrant students to pursue higher education and enable legal employment so that they can lead normal lives and advocate for themselves, their families, and the community.   We offer high school students free legal assistance to obtain immigration status and also provide “know your rights” information to students and their families. VOLS recruits, trains, and mentors pro bono lawyers to help these students overcome their immigration issues and give them a chance to succeed.

Position Summary: 

VOLS seeks a passionate, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Community Advocate to support our Immigration Project.  

• Provide administrative support including entering and maintaining confidential client information and records in VOLS’ electronic and hardcopy filing systems;

• Responsible for planning and facilitating Know Your Rights presentations in New York City public schools, preferably in English and Spanish;

• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and NYC’s schools;

• Provide administrative support to VOLS attorneys and volunteers including providing case management to immigrant youth impacted by immigration enforcement and deportation;

• Design and draft community education materials for immigrant youth and their families;

• Maintain ongoing communication with immigrant youth by centering the idea that undocumented young people inspire change; 

• Develop an understanding of the political landscape of the immigrant’s rights and youth movements, specifically, the DREAMer movement;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but not required;

• Strong, demonstrable commitment to social, racial and socioeconomic justice;

• Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills;

• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, including written skills;

• Ability to work well with diverse groups and individuals including people in crisis, low-income immigrants, youth, parents, teachers and schools administrators;

• Ability to work independently and under pressure;

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.

Benefits:

Salary is $35,000-$40,000.

VOLS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, life, and disability insurance, a retirement plan to which VOLS contributes, and the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan. We also provide 25 days of paid vacation and 12 days of paid sick leave annually.  

Application Process:

Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to apply@volsprobono.org with the subject line “Community Advocate Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone inquiries, please.  For more information, please go to www.volsprobono.org. 

VOLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion, or any other prohibited category.