Living with Conviction (LwC) seeks one part-time Legal Empowerment Navigator to join our team, equipping and empowering incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals to understand and exercise their post-conviction rights, in partnership with attorneys.
This is a nine-month contract position, 25 hours per week in the LwC Seattle office, with the possibility of becoming full-time based on additional funding. The first 45 days of this position is probationary for both the Navigator and LwC to figure out if this is a mutually good fit. The reason is because this position requires Navigators to become very familiar with the law to help others. We have found that it’s not for everyone.
LwC is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington that works to secure economic and racial justice with and for marginalized communities, especially formerly incarcerated individuals, through community-driven research, storytelling, and legal empowerment strategies.
LwC’s post-conviction Legal Empowerment Program, grounded in justice-impacted communities, helps people know and claim their post-conviction rights, particularly to request reductions in their court-imposed legal financial obligations (LFOs). LwC also works in service of the statewide effort to realize relief under the Washington State Supreme Court’s State v. Blake decision, for violation of the constitutional rights of hundreds of thousands of people, disproportionately people of color.
Responsibilities
Attend regular team meetings and trainings, as scheduled
Share responsibilities for monitoring LwC’s help line, email, and Securus account
Conduct case research in superior court databases
Assist people with LFOs through the Justice in Motion Web App and via paper-based trainings in prisons
Assist people with navigating the State v. Blake vacate process to get their unconstitutional convictions vacated paid costs refunded
Assist people through other online guided interviews, as determined by LwC
Represent LwC at community events for outreach, education, and advocacy
Assist with document preparation and retention
File and serve documents in nearby counties
Related tasks, as assigned
Qualifications
Kind and communicative
Previously incarcerated in a Washington state prison and at least two years post-release from community custody with verifiable work history
Proficient in administrative tasks, such as writing emails, word processing, spreadsheets, and record keeping
Detail oriented
Professional phone etiquette and strong communication skills
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets, etc.) (or Microsoft Office) and willingness to learn new software applications
Be willing and able to go into Washington State prisons to jointly train incarcerated individuals on their LFO and related rights
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively
Self-starter, desire to collaborate with colleagues, team player
High school diploma or GED
Able to periodically travel with team overnight
Preferred but not required:
Experience working in a legal office
Fluency in Spanish
Bachelor’s Degree
We have an organizational, anti-racist commitment to cultivate a practice of belonging in the work we do and the work environment we create. Team members are expected to honor this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or criminal history.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by February 27, 2024 via email to livingwithconvictionWA@gmail.com. Applications that do not include both cover letter and resume will not be considered.
No phone calls, please.