Bilingual Paralegal

Organization Overview:

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors exists to represent the South Asian and Indo Caribbean diaspora in a survivor-led movement for gender-justice and to honor the collective and inherent power of all survivors of violence. Sakhi is committed to serving survivors through a combination of efforts including—but not limited to—direct services, advocacy and organizing, technical assistance, and community outreach.

Sakhi serves survivors from the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora who trace their backgrounds to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Africa. Members of our community come from diverse backgrounds including age range, gender, religion, ethnic origin, economic and educational background, language spoken, and immigration status. We work to represent, inform, actively engage, and mobilize the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community in an intersectional, intergenerational survivor-led movement for gender justice.

At Sakhi we offer a unique work environment that is collaborative, fun, and committed to social justice. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, persons of color and bilingual/bicultural applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. At Sakhi, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. Sakhi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

About this role:

Sakhi is seeking a full-time paralegal who will represent survivors of gender-based violence from the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community in applications for immigration relief. This position reports to the Associate Director of the Anti-Violence Program.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed legal representation to survivors of gender-based violence in immigration matters, including assisting with filing VAWA petitions, U-Visa petitions, T-Visa petitions, pro se asylum applications, DACA renewals, naturalization, battered spouse waivers, lawful permanent residency, and applications for employment authorization;

• Complete a 40-hour immigration training program with the goal of becoming a USCIS accredited representative;

• Organize and conduct Know Your Rights workshops and legal clinics for survivors from the Sakhi community as well as the wider community;

• Develop informational materials about immigration rights and gender-based violence to be translated into South Asian languages;

• Assist survivors in obtaining documents necessary to apply for relief from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS);

• Updating survivors on the progress of their cases and explaining next steps;

• Learn about new developments in the immigration field by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, and establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies;

• Maintain confidentiality of survivor experiences and records at all times.

Grant Management and Development

• Maintain records of all survivor related work/activities through efficient data collection and notetaking;

• Produce accurate reports and draft narratives for grant reporting;

• Ensure routine and comprehensive program evaluation;

• Work closely with the Development Team to create work plans, attend site visits, and offer pertinent information as needed.

Outreach, Training, and Advocacy

• Break the stigma around youth mental health while raising awareness of gender-based violence in the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community;

• Develop ongoing referral relationships within the mental health systems, and partner organizations;

• Represent Sakhi on relevant task forces, coalitions, and committees to voice trends of gender-based violence and immigration matters within the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.

Required Qualifications

• 1-2 years of immigration experience preferred, but not required

• Fluency in one or more South Asian, Indo-Caribbean languages

• Knowledge of case management databases, such as LegalServer, LawLogix or INSZoom

• Knowledge of trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence, and gender issues

• Strong attention to detail

• Experience with working with vulnerable populations and trauma survivors

• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends

• Ability to work well under pressure and juggle multiple time-sensitive tasks

Sakhi’s office hours are Monday - Friday, 10am-6pm. Some evenings and weekends will be required. Salary: $70,000/per year, commensurate with experience. Sakhi offers a generous benefits package, including unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, and health/dental/vision insurance.

Application Information

Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Ideal candidates will be available to start as soon as possible. Please complete the application via Sakhi’s Career Center, available on our website. You must submit a resume and cover letter with your application to be considered. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.