Temporary Bilingual (English Spanish) Outreach Worker (Central WA)

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm with a mission of Combatting Injustice Strengthening Communities Protecting Human Dignity. NJP secures justice for people in or near poverty through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education, and other advocacy.

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) has received one-time funding from the Office of Civil Legal Aid to expand its capacity to serve the needs of Farmworkers arising out of the COVID-19 emergency. As a result, NJP will add a temporary Outreach Worker for the program’s Farmworker Unit (FWU). The FWU provides advocacy and individual legal representation to farmworkers and their families to ensure that they are afforded a full range of legal protections through legal advice, legal representation, and community education. This is a full-time position with an anticipated employment duration through June 30, 2021. This position will work in Central Washington, Wenatchee or Quincy area preferred.

The FWU seeks applications from individuals seeking the opportunity to do this meaningful work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Outreach Worker will have the following responsibilities:

Engage with the farmworker community and participate in legal education events for client groups and community partners to build trust, educate and empower community members to exercise their legal rights.

Work as part of the farmworker unit to create and distribute community education messages related to COVID-19 over social media, videos, and remote presentations.

Conduct in-person visits to farmworker housing sites, laundromats, and other gathering places (as possible given current health recommendations related to COVID-19) to share information about employee rights and resources related to the impacts of COVID-19.

Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with social service providers, client groups and other community resources in target communities.

Respond to calls from potential farmworker clients from rural Washington State.

Assist the attorneys in the Farmworker Unit in providing legal assistance to farmworkers impacted by COVID-19, by interviewing clients, drafting declarations and organizing information in both physical and electronic files.

Represent NJP in the community: attend outreach events, network with other service providers, make appropriate referrals for legal assistance

Complete outreach reports and maintain records of outreach activities.

Understand the fundamentals of worker protections and communicate them simply to clients.

Understand the role of outreach worker as a representative of a legal office and conduct oneself accordingly.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and worker and immigrant rights

Demonstrated ability to establish trust and connections with low-income client communities

Strong interest in conducting outreach is needed

Prior experience working with farm workers is preferred

Spanish language proficiency is required including excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish

Basic computer skills are necessary, including use of Word, Excel and Outlook; experience with PowerPoint and Publisher is a plus

Strong organizational skills are also required, including maintenance of physical and electronic files

The ability and willingness to travel and work evenings during the agricultural seasons is necessary

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License

NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create. All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.

COMPENSATION:

Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range starting at $44,387 ($24.39 per hour). This is a non-exempt (hourly) position. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.

Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Farmworker outreach will require work during the evening in order to engage with the farmworker communities.

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to Human Resources at resume@nwjustice.org. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Temporary Outreach Worker - FWU”. Cover letter should include description of any experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities. The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates who’s professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.

Application Deadline: open until filled

NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious reference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information about the project should contact the Human Resources Department by calling (206) 464-1519.