Description:

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job
Accountable for providing legal services to detained unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings, in the border region. Gain language fluency through the Adelante con ProBAR language program.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

Learning and achieving Spanish language fluency through courses provided by the Adelante con ProBAR Spanish Language Program
Provides legal services including direct representation to detained or locally released children in immigration removal proceedings.
Reviews legal screenings conducted by non-attorney staff. Reviews and assigns follow-up services, including additional interviewing, referrals to other legal services providers and advocates, or in- house representation.
Regularly appear in immigration court to represent children in removal proceedings and to act as Friend of Court for other detained youth as appropriate. May also appear in Texas state court as related to a child's immigration case.
Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration detention work, specifically as applied to unaccompanied minors. Builds and maintains relations with local stakeholders. Observes ethical practices relating to client confidentiality using division's case management system.
Builds and maintains relationships with local stakeholders.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience:

Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing.
Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
Baseline proficiency in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms. Must be willing to improve fluency by participating in the Adelante con ProBAR Spanish Language Program.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities.
This position requires the ability to travel to and enter detention centers. In accordance with the federal policies and contractor funding requirements, clearance of federal background checks will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience:

Licensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of Texas, and one year experience.
Proficiency in another language other than Spanish and English.
Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including Mayan language- speaking populations.
Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.