Careers

Assalamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you), thank you for your interest in working with the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Washington State (CAIR-WA)! 

CAIR-WA is a place where you can build a career while making a difference and having a positive influence in society. The real strength of a great nonprofit rests with its people, and our organization benefits significantly from the dedication and commitment that each employee brings to work. The strength and vitality that CAIR Washington enjoys today is due in large part to the many important contributions made by each of its wonderful members.  

As an institution focused on civil rights and civic duty, CAIR Washington seeks to hire dedicated employees who are passionate about our mission. 

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Available Opportunities

Community Legal Advocate

Job Summary

CAIR Washington is looking for a Community Legal Advocate to support the Washington Muslim community. In collaboration with our communications and legal departments, the Community Legal Advocate would act as a key position on our staff, walking community members through the initial aftermath of a targeted attack or bias incident and any resulting legal proceedings. This role would also participate in speaking engagements from the community and community partners. The role is crucial to provide appropriate, sensitive, and emergency response support to community members who have experienced disturbing incidents. Candidates who speak languages including Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Pashto, Dari or Farsi are strongly encouraged to apply. This role would be supervised and supported by the executive director.

The Community Legal Advocate would assist clients in navigating some of the following:

  • Communicating with law enforcement after an assault or crime
  • Understanding each step in criminal or civil court proceedings
  • What to expect when working with a prosecutor
  • What to expect when appearing in court
  • Directing questions to the appropriate person/institution
  • What options are available for pursuing justice
  • Connecting with culturally sensitive grief or mental health support
  • Navigating and accessing social and community resources, government support
  • Understanding how and when media strategy affects legal strategy

The duties and responsibilities:

  • Provide support to the organization and executive director by acting as a primary point of contact with community members impacted by Islamophobia and bias incidents
  • Conduct outreach to support and empower community members in navigating legal processes
  • Schedule and give presentations on civil rights to community members, and presentations on Islamophobia and intercultural fluency to organizations and groups.
  • Represent CAIR-WA at community events such as fairs, markets, banquets, and other tabling opportunities.
  • Build trusted relationships with community leaders and masjid partners
  • Sit in on meetings with law enforcement as needed
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with BIPOC communities and a commitment to racial equity and combatting anti-Muslim sentiments in Washington
  • Ability to handle a broad scope of confidential information; use sound and independent judgment, discretion, tact, and courtesy in all interactions
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with a background in organizing or advocacy
  • Experience in nonprofit spaces highly preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfort with Microsoft 365 and Office suite of programs (particularly Excel). Experience in constituent databases (such as Bloomerang, EveryAction, Raiser’s Edge) desired.
  • Familiarity with both the civil and criminal legal systems and a basic understanding of civil rights protections.
  • Prior legal, social work, or case management experience preferred.
  • Compassionate approach towards client interactions, demonstrating empathy and understanding.

Compensation:

  • The salary range is between $58,000-70,000, depending upon experience.
  • Generous benefits package includes fully covered medical and dental insurance for the new hire as well as all dependents, 401(k)with employer matching, and 8 total weeks of vacation and flex PTO.

To Apply:

  • Please email as PDF attachments: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) references to: nalsaleh@cair.com with the subject line “Community Legal Advocate” No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
  • CAIR-WA is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Travel reimbursement

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Post date: November 7, 2024