Legal/Social Services Assistant at the Program for Survivors of Torture

Belleveue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture Legal/Social Services Assistant

The Program for Survivors of Torture (PSOT) rebuilds the bodies, minds, and spirits of people who have been tortured or persecuted. Many survivors endure horrific suffering and overcome massive obstacles to get to New York City. But they are here, they are alive, and they need help.

We provide all of our services regardless of ability to pay. And when we treat survivors, we treat the whole person. Our culturally sensitive medical and mental health care helps survivors to heal physically and emotionally and offers them a path toward hope. At the same time, social and legal services lay a foundation so that survivors can build new lives here in the United States.

Even when we advocate for a torture-free world, conduct groundbreaking research, and train future leaders in our field, it comes out of our experience in caring for torture survivors. Thanks to vital partnerships with New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, we can give survivors the highest quality of care and cutting edge treatments.

To learn more about us, visit survivorsoftorture.org.

PSOT is seeking an individual for the position of Legal/Social Services Assistant.

Position Hours: 2-3 days per week, 9am-5pm

Position Summary

The Legal Services Intern will provide support to the Legal/Social Services team, which entails coordinating legal appointments, assisting with legal/social services paperwork, organizing client documents and files, and administrative duties as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support to Social/Legal Services team, which involves:
  • Monitoring reception area and inquiring about client needs
  • Coordinating client appointments and walk-ins according to prioritized needs
  • Monitoring the legal services voicemail, taking messages, and responding to client inquiries
  • Calling clients about upcoming appointments
  • Organizing documents and client records
  • Upgrading client files to electronic format
  • Administrative tasks as needed, including photocopying, filing, data entry, etc
  • Handling certain immigration-related tasks independently, including:
    • Filling out legal/social services-related paperwork
    • Coordinating public benefits needs with the Social Services team

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree. Graduate students or Master’s degree preferred. Law students encouraged to apply;
• Previous paralegal experience or experience with immigration law strongly preferred;
• French proficiency required;
• Comfort working with refugees and immigrants from diverse cultures;
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and work independently on projects;
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel;
• Responsible, organized, patient and dedicated.

Please send a resume and cover letter to Eleanor Oxholm atEleanor.Oxholm@nyumc.org. No phone calls please. Application deadline: September 23, 2011.