Careers

The North Carolina Justice Center is a progressive research and advocacy organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and protecting the rights of low-income individuals in North Carolina. For over 25 years, the NC Justice Center has been on the front lines in the courts, at the legislature, in the media, and in communities advocating for positive changes for poor and working North Carolinians. The NC Justice Center has played a primary role in most of the state’s major policy debates and successfully litigated hundreds of individual cases and class actions.

The following positions are available:

STAFF ATTORNEY, IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS PROJECT

IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP, IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS PROJECT

STAFF ATTORNEY, HEALTH ADVOCACY PROJECT

FAIR CHANCE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROJECT INTERNSHIP

ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, HEALTH ADVOCACY PROJECT

STAFF ATTORNEY, IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS PROJECT

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a Staff Attorney, Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project. The attorney will work closely with community members, local, state and national-level partners and other NC Justice Center advocates to advance systemic change in immigrants’ and refugees’ rights in North Carolina through a combination of individual representation, impact litigation, community outreach, and policy advocacy. This position will maintain a practice that primarily involves immigration issues, including representing individuals in Immigration Court as well as before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, but could incorporate cross-program work as needed. The attorney will serve as a resource for advocates and partners across the state, including private attorneys, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Qualifications:

J.D. and admitted to the North Carolina Bar or eligible for admission
Prior experience working with immigrant or refugee communities is strongly preferred.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently, ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
Strong writing, legal research, and oral advocacy skills.
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice, ability to recognize the barriers facing immigrant communities, and experience working with low-income individuals.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
Some travel, evening, and weekend work is required.

The NC Justice Center offers skilled and committed co-workers, a competitive salary (minimum $65,000/annually DOE) and superior benefits to enhance staff quality of life including but not limited to: six weeks paid time off, paid maternity/paternity leave, thirteen holidays, retirement plan contribution and match, FSA, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage. This position is in the NC Justice Center’s bargaining unit, represented by the National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local 2320.

The NC Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for available positions. NC Justice Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Furthermore, the NC Justice Center is a second chance employer and encourage all qualified individuals to apply for our roles.

To apply please complete the application by clicking the following link:

North Carolina Justice Center – Staff Attorney, Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (paylocity.com)

IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP, IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS PROJECT

The North Carolina Justice Center invites third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for a two-year Immigrants’ Rights Fellowship. The Fellowship is generously funded by the N.C. Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program. The Fellowship, a collaborative project with Inner Banks Legal Services, will be housed in North Carolina Justice Center’s office in downtown Raleigh North Carolina. The fellowship will begin in the Fall of 2024.

The NC Justice Center is North Carolina’s leading private, non-profit anti-poverty organization. Our mission is to alleviate poverty in North Carolina by ensuring that every household has access to the resources, services, and fair treatment it needs to achieve economic security. In order to improve the ability of low-income families to access opportunity and share in the state’s prosperity, the NC Justice Center pursues a broad policy agenda around the issues of affordable housing, transportation, workers’ rights, public education, supports for working families, consumer protections, immigrants’ rights, and access to health care. The NC Justice Center has conducted extensive civil litigation for immigrant clients, including class actions for workers not paid minimum wage or overtime; civil cases for victims of human trafficking, class actions for clients who encountered unfair business practices when purchasing mobile homes; and administrative complaints against state agencies who fail to provide language access to immigrant residents of North Carolina.

Inner Banks Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit law firm dedicated to equal access to justice that provides legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of matters, including immigration law, bankruptcy, estate planning, guardianships, domestic violence, and family law.

Job Duties:

The goal of the Immigrants’ Rights Fellowship is to expand access to legal assistance for immigrants, regardless of their immigration status, in civil cases. The fellow will work in three primary areas of law: housing (including eviction and home purchase cases), workers’ rights (including wage and hour and discrimination), and family law (including custody and divorce). The fellow will work closely with experienced attorneys at the NC Justice Center and Inner Banks Legal Services to provide advice and representation to callers, file administrative complaints, guide clients through pro se processes, and engage in community education events. The fellow will be asked to develop pro se guides that will help individuals navigate court and government complaint processes. Through the fellow’s advice, outreach, and individual representation of immigrant clients, he or she will help identify cases that may be appropriate for more extended representation such as class action litigation or administrative advocacy.

A focus of the fellowship will be to expand pro bono services to the immigrant population in these areas of law. Together with other NC Justice Center and IBX attorneys, the fellow will organize and provide trainings, and develop model pleadings and other materials, and serve as a resource for pro bono attorneys willing to take on these cases.

The fellow will engage in special projects and other duties as assigned with the goal of expanding access to civil justice for immigrants in North Carolina.

Qualifications:

J.D. or expected to receive a J.D. by the spring of 2024, the Fellow must have passed the North Carolina bar exam and be eligible for admission to the bar by the commencement of the Fellowship
Strong writing, legal research, and oral advocacy skills
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English
Interest in creating and conducting community presentations in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and ability to recognize the barriers facing immigrant communities
Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks, and see projects through to completion
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
Some travel, evening, and weekend work is required.

The NC Justice Center offers skilled and committed co-workers, a competitive salary (minimum $65,000/annually DOE) and superior benefits to enhance staff quality of life including but not limited to: six weeks paid time off, paid parental leave, thirteen holidays, retirement plan contribution and match, FSA, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage. This position is in the NC Justice Center’s bargaining unit, represented by the National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local 2320.

The NC Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for available positions. The NC Justice Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Furthermore, the NC Justice Center is a second chance employer and encourage all qualified individuals to apply for our roles.

To apply for the 2024-2026 Fellowship (beginning September 2024), applicants should submit a resume, the names of three professional or academic references, and a brief statement of interest (two pages or less) to the following link:

North Carolina Justice Center – 2024 – 2026 Immigrants’ Rights Fellow (paylocity.com)

STAFF ATTORNEY, HEALTH ADVOCACY PROJECT

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for the Health Advocacy Project (HAP) with substantive expertise in health policy including Medicaid, Managed Care and the Affordable Care Act, and experience with NC legislative, regulatory, and administrative advocacy with state agencies. The position will involve a range of health policies, with an initial focus on medical debt and Medicaid expansion implementation. The attorney will monitor and analyze legal, policy, and advocacy health policy strategies promulgated at the federal or state level. Together with other HAP team members, the attorney will create and recommend policy solutions and strategies to advance equity and access to quality health care in North Carolina, especially the most impacted–people with low incomes, who live with disabilities, older adults, and children. The HAP team members’ policy work will also be informed by representation of individual impacted individuals, with the team member handling a helpline and potentially a small caseload in collaboration with experienced NC Justice Center litigation team members.

Research, propose and advocate for reforms, policies and programs that support the healthcare needs of North Carolinians while providing policy support to the team, the NC Justice Center, and partners.
Analyze laws, administrative rules, draft proposed legislation and amendments, and other relevant material.
Compile data and conduct legal research and analysis for HAP team members and partners.
Publish policy reports and memos, briefs, op-eds, legislative bulletins, fact sheets, and other documents as assigned and perform critical data analysis and review of team member’s written work.
Serve as a health care policy expert, present findings and recommendations to policymakers, partner organizations, community groups and leaders and the media.
Provide legal and technical support to private and legal aid lawyers, consumer advocates and government officials.
Lead workshops and training sessions for lawyers and advocates.
Research and compile useful data from literature, census data, polls, survey, and governmental reports to evaluate the impact of proposed health care policies on access, affordability and ensuring equity.
Track and monitor federal/state health care policy actions that impact Medicaid programs and other relevant health care policies such as healthcare delivery and costs, in federal/state legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Present testimony before the NC Legislature and advocate before NC state agencies.
Contribute to fundraising efforts; develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential supporters.
Perform other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications:

We are looking for someone with an active license to practice law in North Carolina or who is eligible for comity. At least three years of professional experience analyzing, writing, and researching policy in healthcare, health law or related field is required. A successful candidate will have superior written and oral communication skills and be exceptionally organized while juggling competing demands and responding to externally imposed short deadlines. They will have substantive expertise in health policy including, knowledge of coverage programs including the Affordable Care Act and North Carolina Medicaid including managed care, and medical debt issues. Additionally, they will be able to perform legal research, prepare opinions, draft legislative documents, and interpret constitutional provisions. Further, they will have a demonstrated knowledge of the legislative process, political environment and health policy and coverage programs. A successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to improving people’s lives through the lenses of social justice and racial equity, preferably in North Carolina. Occasional evenings, weekend work, and travel is required.

Benefits:

The NC Justice Center offers skilled and committed co-workers, a competitive salary (the anticipated salary range is $65,000 – $108,000/annually DOE) and superior benefits to enhance staff quality of life including but not limited to: six weeks paid time off, paid parental leave, thirteen holidays, retirement plan contribution and match, FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts), medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage. This position is in the NC Justice Center’s bargaining unit, represented by the National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local 2320.

To apply:

This position is open immediately. To apply please submit your cover letter, resume, a writing sample with policy analysis, and list of professional references (including at least one past supervisor) using the following link:

North Carolina Justice Center – Staff Attorney, Health Advocacy Project (paylocity.com)

The NC Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for available positions. NC Justice Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or disability. Furthermore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to prior record of arrest or conviction.

FAIR CHANCE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROJECT INTERNSHIP

The North Carolina Justice Center seeks a graduate student studying criminal justice, sociology, public policy or related subject to support our Fair Chance Criminal Justice (FCCJ) project beginning May 2024 of extending through 10 weeks of summer of 2024.

About the NC Justice Center:

The NC Justice Center is North Carolina’s leading private, anti-poverty non-profit organization. Our mission is to alleviate poverty in North Carolina by ensuring that every household has access to the resources, services and fair treatment it needs to achieve economic security. In order to improve the ability of low-income families to access opportunity and share in the state’s prosperity, the NC Justice Center pursues a broad policy agenda around the issues of affordable housing, transportation, workforce development and training, public education, supports for working families, consumer protections, immigrants’ rights, access to health care, state budget allocations and state tax policy.

FCCJ Policy Internship:

Interns will be responsible for:

Policy research and writing
Project meeting and event support

Efforts will be made to include the intern in the following experiences:

Watch legislative committee hearings
Meet with legislators
Attend strategy sessions and meetings with ally organizations

This is a hybrid opportunity where interns will be required to be present in the office or at the NC General Assembly at least two days per week.

Compensation:

The North Carolina Justice Center is a non-profit organization entirely dependent on grants and donations, consequently we encourage candidates to apply for funding through their schools and explore alternate funding opportunities. Nevertheless, the North Carolina Justice Center provides limited funding to interns based on needs.

To apply:

Our organization is committed to equity and inclusion. People of color, justice-involved people, and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The North Carolina Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. The North Carolina Justice Center does not discriminate on the basis of person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, age, disability or genetic information.

Please apply using the following link: North Carolina Justice Center – Fair Chance Criminal Justice Project Internship

ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, HEALTH ADVOCACY PROJECT

The Health Advocacy Project works to ensure all North Carolinians have meaningful access to high quality, affordable, equitable, and comprehensive health care so that children, adults, and families have better health outcomes and productive lives.

Some of the Project’s goals include expanding and protecting access to health services for families who have low and moderate incomes, securing health care policies that prioritize the well-being of North Carolina consumers, empowering community members to become health care advocates, and promoting the consumer perspective on state and federal health care policy.

The Role:

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a full-time Engagement Coordinator for the Health Advocacy Project (HAP) to support efficient operations of our dynamic policy and engagement work which is dedicated to increasing access to affordable healthcare. The HAP team is high performing and close-knit with a strong culture of work/life balance. Our team works closely with coalition partners around the state, and the country, builds relationships with elected and appointed policymakers and works to advance progressive policies that promote equitable access to affordable healthcare.

We are seeking a highly organized engagement coordinator who can support our team’s community engagement efforts and perform tasks that ensures smooth and efficient operations of our team, coalition, and community engagement work. The ideal candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with and help us build and maintain authentic relationships with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds. The Engagement Assistant must have a strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain an organized system for documentation, tracking and storing information. This position will support the team’s best practices around working with people most impacted in an authentic way. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the team and independently under the general supervision of the HAP Project Director. They are responsible for setting goals and developing a work plan with input from the HAP Director. The duties of this job requires an in-person presence on a hybrid basis at our office which is located in downtown Raleigh, and at events as needed.

Job Duties:

Facilitate the HAP team’s development of monthly, quarterly, and annual community engagement efforts in North Carolina
Handles information requests from coalition partners, schedules meetings of partners and stakeholders including all logistical arrangements and captures and sends out meeting minutes and other key information.
Engage the public in our advocacy and education campaigns. This may include conducting outreach and education efforts for and participating in community meetings, forums, and events.
In collaboration with Project colleagues, build and strengthen relationships with statewide and local organizations who can partner in story collection efforts.
Maintain a master calendar of all community engagement performed by HAP team staff and confirm coverage and availability of staff for all outreach events
Identify community engagement priorities in conjunction with other HAP team staff.
Identify opportunities to work with existing and new partners to coordinate community engagement events and/or distribution of materials, including sharing information about training opportunities, planning joint events and facilitating outreach material distribution amongst various partner organizations and agencies.
Develop team community engagement trip itineraries in conjunction with Project staff.
Facilitate travel arrangements needed for Project staff needed for staff for engagement trips or events in conjunction with NC Justice Center’s Admin Team.
Serve as the HAP team’s liaison to NCJC’s Accounting staff to provide necessary information related to the team’s various community engagement activities.
Gather and submit periodic data to assist the HAP Project Director with complete and timely reporting of grant deliverables, including providing team accomplishments to highlight, and assist with the tracking of grant expenses.
Spearhead the dissemination of know your rights and community education materials for the HAP team.
Facilitate the purchasing and/or reproduction of needed community engagement supplies and materials.
Coordinating with other NC Justice Center teams on joint community engagement activities.
Assist team with scheduling interviews, meetings with storyteller advocates with ethical considerations and while guarding confidentiality as appropriate.
Draft interview notes, personal stories, testimonials, and letters.
Assist team with tabling, outreach activities as assigned.
Contribute to fundraising efforts; develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential supporters.
Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

2. A minimum of three years of professional experience in outreach, engagement, or organizing, preferably in a health, social justice, or advocacy context.

3. High attention to detail with excellent project management and organizational skills.

4. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse community members from different backgrounds.

5. Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to support the work of others in a fast-paced, project-oriented organization.

6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

7. Demonstrated commitment to the mission of eliminating poverty through social, economic, and racial justice.

8. Demonstrated commitment to social justice, ability to recognize the barriers facing immigrant communities, and experience working with low-income individuals.

9. Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice in the south, preferably in North Carolina.

10. Occasional evenings, weekend work, and travel is required.

11. Reliable transportation to varying sites.

Benefits:

The NC Center offers skilled and committed co-workers, a competitive salary (the anticipated salary range is $47,395 – $64,119/annually DOE) and superior benefits to enhance staff quality of life including but not limited to: six weeks paid time off, paid parental leave, thirteen holidays, retirement plan contribution and match, FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts), medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage. This position is in the Justice Center’s bargaining unit, represented by the National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local 2320.

TO APPLY:

This position is open immediately. To apply please submit your click the following link: North Carolina Justice Center – Engagement Coordinator, Health Advocacy Project

The NC Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for available positions. NC Justice Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or disability. Furthermore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to prior record of arrest or conviction.

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