With freedom as our guiding principle, Envision Freedom Fund, we pay bonds to free people from immigration detention, support individuals as they land on their feet, and build the organizing power needed to end detention in New York State.
Founded in 2015 as the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund (BCBF), our organization has been at the forefront of the fight for freedom. From 2015 to 2019, we were the largest community bail fund in the country, spending $5 million to free nearly 5,000 people from jail, and leveraging our work to push for systemic change, including historic bail legislation. In 2018, in response to intensifying ICE raids and enforcement, we began paying immigration bonds and today, we are the largest immigration bond fund in the country and the only bond fund in New York State. We’ve paid almost 10 million to free over 1,100 of our immigrant neighbors.
We work with allies here in New York, and across the country, in the fight to end immigration detention. Our organization is a radical intervention in a system that treats people differently based on wealth, skin color, and influence. We’re challenging the criminalization of race and poverty, the practice of putting a price on fundamental rights, and the persistent myth that bail/bond is a necessary element of the justice and immigration system.
Position Overview
The Bond and Community Associate position will support Envision’s bond and community work by assisting with bond payments, working closely with families and attorneys of people in detention and ensuring compassionate and responsive support during critical moments. The role also partners with the Advocacy team to uplift community voices through events, campaigns, and trainings that empower community members. This position will help strengthen community connections, advance collective advocacy efforts, and support individuals and families navigating the detention system.
Job Responsibilities
- Pay Immigration bonds through online portal and occasionally in person.
- Perform intakes from community members currently in immigration detention.
- Liaise with attorneys on bond referrals.
- Liaise with other bond funds.
- Communicate daily with families and points of contact for individuals in detention to obtain accurate and required information required to process bond payments.
- Ensure complete and accurate record-keeping of bonds paid.
- Troubleshoot with federal immigration bond offices on payment issues.
- Coordinate safe transportation for people released from detention.
- Provide connection to our post-release team for support referrals.
- Support the Advocacy team with engaging community members interested in advocacy, political education, public education, and leadership events.
- Support and participate in community meetings, events, campaigns, rallies and workshops.
- Gather and maintain accurate data for all community members in our database.
Qualifications:
- Bilingual English/Spanish required.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas: community organizing, legal services, working with immigrant communities, or working with formerly incarcerated individuals and communities.
- Computer and database management skills (Microsoft Word & Excel, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Salesforce, G-Suite).
- Highly organized with the ability to ensure accuracy for large datasets.
- Ability to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment, and produce a quality work product with good attention to detail within tight time constraints and strict deadlines.
- Possess strong interpersonal skills and excellent telephone skills.
- Uncompromising on keeping client confidentiality.
- Proactive, adaptable, flexible team player.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Knowledge or experience with posting immigration bonds is preferred but not required.
Envision Freedom Fund is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran or active military service member status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Envision Freedom Fund values diverse experiences. People with criminal justice involvement and detention history are encouraged to apply. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
