WE ARE CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS:
We Are CASA’s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant Communities. Our vision is rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. We Are CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although We Are CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.
DEPARTMENT SYNOPSIS:
The legal program at We Are CASA operates under the principles of Justice is the goal, law is a means. It is a marathon, not a sprint. We endeavor to find the most creative strategies to combat the abuses and injustices identified by our constituents. We value justice in the largest sense possible, not only one person at a time legal solutions, but broad, transformative solutions created in combination with immigrant leaders, We Are CASA organizers and other staff, other local and national organizations and direct service staff. We value our time and believe that through hard and sustained effort is often required, real rest is also necessary for creativity, stamina and “a life,” however defined.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Legal Assistant provides general as well as case and project support to the members of the Legal Department. Key components of the position include data entry, verification, and analysis; program report generation, intake scheduling; and volunteer coordination. On assignment, the Legal Assistant will perform other tasks and special projects.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Enter, verify, and/or analyze data relevant to the operations of the Legal Department.
Compile and report statistics and narrative explanations of clients and cases, activities and results.
Work with We Are CASA’s IT department and other relevant departments to streamline data entry and reporting.
Familiarize self with and cultivate relationships and develop a network of agencies that can solve We Are CASA members’ problems.
Develop and cultivate network of partners who can provide case assistance, including by establishing an efficient program and system for partner coordination, and by serving as a liaison between We Are CASA and relevant partners.
Communicate with Legal Department staff to identify available opportunities for partner engagement.
Regularly interact with partners in a professional and effective manner.
Schedule, coordinate, and assign partners to appropriate opportunities.
In partnership with Legal Department leadership, draft, maintain, and publish guidelines, best practices and training manuals for partners.
Schedule and conduct initial client intake and case assessment; follow up with clients as necessary.
Lead community outreach and education sessions, including “Know Your Rights” sessions.
Maintain documentation of all client contact and service provision.
Assist in creating referral guides, updating online guides and publishing community education materials.
Provide administrative support to the Legal Department, including by ordering office supplies, managing case files, accounting, and publicizing legal services.
Support We Are CASA’s power building activities, including by referring clients to CASA’s community organizing Department and collaborating with…