Join Our Team | Columbia County Sanctuary Movement CRM

Open Positions:

Campaign Organizer

Director of Legal Services

Immigration Paralegal / DOJ Representative

Americorps VISTA

Part-Time Community Organizing Intern

Volunteer with CCSM

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Campaign Organizer

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. Organizers fulfill a powerful role in our service and organizing model which provides essential services to meet the basic needs of members while engaging them in campaigns for systemic change.

Our organizers work closely with members, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to organize current and new CCSM members to participate in local, regional and priority statewide campaigns. CCSM serves as a steering committee member of the Excluded No More campaign and anchor organization for Raise Up NY. We are actively participating in the Coverage for All and New York for All campaigns. Local campaigns include Language Justice and Police Non-Cooperation agreements. This position reports directly to Bryan MacCormack, Co-Executive Director with supervision shared with all Co-Executive Directors.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below.

Organizing Responsibilities

Support leadership development and deepening political consciousness of members through one on one organizing conversations, trainings, and individual coaching
Engage members in legislative advocacy, direct actions, and campaign strategy sessions
Compile stories and gather documents for participatory action research
Recruit undocumented workers, self-employed workers, freelance artists and formerly incarcerated workers to join the Excluded No More campaign
Identify community and member leaders through one on one organizing conversations
Support educational event planning such as webinars, workshops, popular education programming and other community-building events
Collect testimonies and identify and recruit members to share their public narratives
Assist with the organizing of mass mobilization events (e.g rallies, celebratory events, targeted protests)
Create opportunities workers and members to build relationship and collective intersectional power
Participate in and facilitate coalition building through statewide and regional campaign meetings, events and actions
Work in coordination with coalition member organizations to develop and implement campaign plans, including engaging their members and organizations in advancing CCSM’s state level priorities
Work with Director of Programs and Services to help integrate our service to organizing model
Contribute to expanding CCSM’s membership base in the Capital Region/Hudson Valley
Collaborate with the CCSM’s organizing team on local campaigns for language justice and police non-cooperation agreement

Qualifications

Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of anti-oppression
Excellent project and time management skills
Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Bilingualism (English / Spanish) required
Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and closely with a leadership team
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for trainings, conferences, and accompaniment occasionally with personal vehicle
Exception relational skills working directly with people in complex situations and commitment to building partnerships
Comfortable having one-on-one organizing conversations and making asks
Valid driver’s license and car necessary
Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred
Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
Direct experience with immigration system preferred

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $41,600 and significant annual raises based on CCSM’s pay scale. Benefits include health insurance, a work computer and cell phone, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval.

We are committed to compensating our team fairly and decreasing the inequity that can come from salary negotiations. Therefore, the posted salary and benefits are the best we can offer at this time, and we will continue to build a benefits package that supports all staff.

This position will be mostly in-person; in addition to in-person one to one meetings and coalition events, we hold in-person staff meetings every other week, and in-person Coordinating Committee meetings once a month.

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Campaign Organizer” as the subject line. We will not check references until after the interview.

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

Director of Legal Services

The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) organizes with immigrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. We are a bilingual non-profit organization dedicated to providing holistic services, education and engaging members in campaigns for systemic change. This position is based in Hudson, New York with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule and will report to Co-Executive Directors, Diana Cruz and Bryan MacCormack.

The Director of Legal Services will provide legal representation to recent arrivals and long-term residents on both affirmative applications and removal proceedings. The attorney can expect to appear before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York City Immigration Court, and Buffalo Immigration Court. The Director of Legal Services will have the opportunity to work alongside CCSM to use creative legal remedies and gutsy advocacy strategies to challenge the unjust deportation machine and inhumane immigration legal system.

65% Legal Service Provision

Conduct intakes with potential clients, conflict checks, and screenings for various forms of immigration relief
Facilitate legal consultations and provide case-specific advice to clients
Represent members and identify forms of relief in relief removal cases (such as defensive Asylum claims or prosecutorial discretion)
Prepare affirmative cases (such as U-Visas/T-Visas, naturalization, and family petitions) before USCIS.
Supervise and provide technical support to DOJ-accredited representative proving legal service to clients applying for affirmative immigration benefits before USCIS
Travel to attend master and individual hearings when necessary
Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files
Mentor, support, and train CCSM staff on complex immigration matters and the provision of trauma-informed services
Work closely with Co-Executive Director and Community Navigator to provide holistic services and referrals to clients
Strengthen CCSM’s existing Rapid Response work and hotline by providing legal expertise, and at times legal representation when detained
Provide the support and program development needed to host a Justice Corps Fellowship in the near future

25% Administration

Create legal service systems and track program metrics
Work with grant manager on accurate legal service grant applications
Oversee legal service program budget
Administer legal service policies and supervise DOJ-accredited representative or paralegal

10 % Outreach, Education, and External Relations

Engage in outreach, education, and advocacy for immigrant rights on the local and state level
Work with legal and program staff to facilitate Know Your Right trainings and policy updates regarding changes to immigration and enforcement
Inform and provide orientation about defenses against removal proceedings and the court process to community members
Facilitate remote court appearances from CCSM’s office rather than traveling to NYC or Buffalo
Identify and collaborate with local or state partner organizations on appellate and impact-oriented litigation efforts related to detention conditions, labor rights, and other priorities.
Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, immigration service providers, pro bono attorneys, private attorneys, and our legal service funders.

Desired Qualifications:

Juris Doctor with active NYS bar admission
Highly Preferred: Ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish speakers (i.e., advanced Spanish skills)
Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in immigration law or direct legal services, and experience with both affirmative application and removal defense proceedings
Knowledge and adherence to community and movement lawyering principles
Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation
Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel
Relationships with immigrant communities
Directly impacted by or experience with the immigration system preferred

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $62,200. Benefits include health and dental insurance, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. The Director of Legal Services will have access to professional development opportunities, including through CCSM's membership in the New York Immigration Coalition and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Director of Legal Services” as the subject line.

Immigration Paralegal / DOJ Representative

We are seeking a full-time immigration paralegal or Department of Justice Representative (DOJ Rep.). This position is based in Hudson, New York with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule. They will work under the supervision of the Legal Director, who is also an immigration attorney, and the Co-Executive Directors. Additionally, they will play a vital role in providing legal services to community members, conducting know-your-rights workshops, and providing critical administrative support to our expanding in-house legal program. We will provide training and application support to become a DOJ Representative.

Duties/Responsibilities:

90% Legal Service Provision

Assist in providing free legal screening to community members to help assess potential pathways to legal status or other immigration benefits
Help prepare applications before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) and meet with community members to gather and prepare case documentation, evidence, and draft declarations
Conduct warm referrals to CCSM’s program and Service team, partner nonprofit legal service organizations, and local legal resources.
Maintain up-to-date client files, track deadlines, and provide updates and reminders to community members.

10% Outreach and Education

Coordinate Know Your Rights workshops and organize immigration screening clinics

REQUIRED SKILL/QUALIFICATIONS

Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English or Fluency in spoken and written Bengali and English
Preferred 1–2 years of practical experience in immigration, such as experience in assisting with DACA, Naturalization, VAWA/U visa/T visa, and family-based immigration
Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+, low-income individuals, and survivors of violence and trauma.
Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation
Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel
Relationships with immigrant communities
Directly impacted by or experience with the immigration system preferred

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $41,600. Benefits include health and dental insurance, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. CCSM will provide professional development opportunities and for the right candidate will provide the training and support to become an Accredited Representative with the DOJ. CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Immigration Paralegal” as the subject line.

Americorps VISTA

This position is part of the NYIC VISTA program, which is run by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and places AmeriCorps VISTAs – referred to as NYIC VISTAs – at nonprofit organizations throughout New York state where they build organizational capacity through communications, fundraising, program development/outreach and/or volunteer management projects.

The VISTA placed at Columbia County Sanctuary Movement will work on program development/outreach (e.g., program outreach, member surveys/evaluations, KYR workshops) and volunteer management (e.g., volunteer recruitment, training, coordination) projects.

TERM OF SERVICE

Full-time; 12 month service

SUPPORT/BENEFITS

During their year of service, NYIC VISTAs are supported with the following benefits:

living allowance (a $15,002 - $24,119 stipend depending on the county that the position is based out of)
choice of healthcare allowance ($8,550) or a health plan
choice of a year-end education award ($6,495) or cash stipend ($1,803)
eligibility for benefits such as:
- relocation allowance
- settling-in allowance (up to $750)
- child care support
Trainings on core skills/knowledge areas (e.g., leadership, social justice), NYIC VISTA focus areas (e.g., volunteer management, communications, fundraising) and immigration issues and their intersections with poverty issues
an AmeriCorps VISTA Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) facilitated by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
weekly NYIC VISTA webinars
ongoing check-ins, guidance and support from the NYIC
group national days of service activities
networking and celebration activities/events

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for an NYIC VISTA position, one must be:

18 years of age or older
a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident, or have Refugee status, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for a NYIC VISTA position, please follow the following steps:

Create a MyAmeriCorps account at https://my.americorps.gov
Sign into your MyAmeriCorps account
Go to the MyAmeriCorps page for any NYIC VISTA position that you want to apply for. To find the position's MyAmeriCorps page, either click on the position's hyperlinked title on this page or run a search for the position using the MyAmeriCorps website's search engine (write "NYIC" in the Program field)
Once you are on the position's MyAmeriCorps page, click on the "Apply Now" button

CONTACT

If you have questions about the NYIC VISTA program, please contact vista@nyic.org and include the term "NYIC VISTA" in the subject line. Please do not call.

Part-Time Community Organizing Intern

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Community Organizer Intern will fulfill a powerful role in our organization’s sustainability, which provides survival services to meet the basic needs of members while engaging them in campaigns for systemic change.

CCSM has launched our local Language Justice Campaign. We believe people should be able to communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. We also believe that our very own institutions should be able to provide equal and fair resources for everyone. We will be holding local institutions accountable and advocate for new policies to achieve language justice in our community.

The Community Organizer Intern works closely with members, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to organize current and new CCSM members to participate in local Language Justice Campaigns. This position reports directly to the Community Organizer and Directors. The Organizer’s primary job is to assist the Community Organizer in building a powerful Language Justice Campaign led by directly impacted students and parents. The list below is an example of the responsibilities the Community Organizer Intern will fulfill throughout the 2022 fall internship program.

Organizing

One-on-One organizing conversations with students and parents
Identify community and member leaders
Contribute to building a formal membership model
Organize and facilitate multilingual membership and campaign workshops
Compile stories and gather documents for participatory action research
Gather petition signatures and conduct surveys
Organize members to hold institutions accountable
Work with Community Organizer to help integrate our service to organizing model
Expand CCSM’s base of immigrant youth in Columbia and Greene County
Engage members in legislative advocacy, direct actions, and campaign strategy sessions
Meet with key stakeholders to research, power map, and plan next steps

Qualifications

Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of anti-oppression
Be a current or recent high school or undergraduate student.
Excellent project and time management skills
Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Bilingualism (English / Spanish/ Bengali ) highly preferred
Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and closely with a leadership team
Willingness to work flexible hours
Take feedback well and have a learning mindset.
Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations and commitment to building partnerships
Comfortable having one-on-one organizing conversations and making asks
Valid driver’s license and car necessary
Have relationships with immigrant communities and students in local school districts
Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred
Direct experience with immigration system preferred

Terms of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary position (10-15 hours a week) throughout the Summer of 2022 with a possible extension into the Fall semester. This is a stipend internship. Other benefits include mileage reimbursement for work-related meetings (not including commute to office).

Frequently cited statistics show that women and structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. CCSM encourages you to break that statistic and apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications.CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply: This internship is open to all High School and Undergraduate students. Please send a resume and answers to the following questions to hiring@sanctuarycolumbiacounty.org with “Organizing Intern Application” in the subject line.

What does language justice mean to you?
Why are you interested in this role?
What experiences have you had with language justice/ language access that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work)

Volunteer with CCSM

CCSM was built from the ground-up by members and volunteers. From our coordinating committee to carrying out the important work of our programming, volunteers add essential capacity to our organization. The key areas we are currently seeking volunteers for are pro-bono legal services, translation, web-design, transportation and grassroots fundraising. Please fill out this form to share your skills and passion with CCSM! Email volunteer@sanctuarycolumbiacounty.org with any additional questions.

If you are interested in interning with us for a semester (or more!), please send us an email with the subject "Interning with CCSM".