CASA de Maryland
Silver Spring, MD
The CASA legal program has been at the forefront of creative strategies to combat the many injustices immigrants face in Maryland and in the Washington metro region. The strategies have included individual representation to recover a quarter of a million dollars each year in unpaid wages; liberation, back wages and legal status for victims of human trafficking; organizing to publicly pressure unscrupulous employers to meet their legal obligations; and numerous other actions.
A CASA de Maryland intern is on the front line in defending immigrant workers against abuse by employers, police and immigration officials. This is an excellent opportunity to help the community, learn legal skills and work with a dynamic group of lawyers, organizers and social service staff in a friendly, fast-paced, bi-lingual office setting. The ideal candidate will habe experience in social justice issues and a passion for building power with marginalized people.
Duties
- Support CASA's legislative and policy work. Examples of potential activities: campaign to improve the capacity and effectiveness of Maryland's Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, which enforces Maryland's wage and hour laws; identify annual legislative priority surrounding workers' rights and, in conjunction with CASA leadership, develop and implement plan to move it forward; respond to local ordinances which adversely affect workers.
- Direct legal work: Conduct legal intakes and case work regarding wage theft, substandard housing, immigration detention, human trafficking and other immigrant rights' issues. Provide referrals, legal services, negotiation, and assistance with litigation of individual cases of immigrants who meet established criteria.
- Outreach/popular education: Deliver educational "know your rights" presentations, including identifying emerging areas that merit presentations, developing educational presentations and curriculum, and giving presentations to workers and community members.
- Administrative work: Record keeping, completion of reports and organizational paperwork, assistance in coordination of activities or events and other duties assigned by supervisor related to position.
Qualifications
- Understanding of and commitment to using the law as part of a multi-faceted, community-based approach to social change;
- Bilingual (English and Spanish);
- Bilingual (English and French) a plus;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple ongoing projects.
The total ten-week stipend for this fellowship will be $4,500.
Address cover letter to:
Enid Gonzalez
CASA de Maryland
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