Description:
Purpose:This position is responsible for training and supervision of program staff and case assignment and review. The incumbent also provides legal representation on a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA with special focus on vulnerable populations and children in ORR custody.
Responsibilities:
- Supervises casework and legal team staff of the Immigrant Children's Program. Assigns and reviews cases.
- Supervises the provision of core services including legal screenings, Friend of Court appearances, and court preparation for children in ORR custody. Provides these same services, as needed.
- Recruits, hires, and trains incoming Immigrant Children's Program legal staff. Ensures on-going training on internal program developments, changes in immigration law and policy, and DOJ accreditation requirements, when applicable.
- Assists the Associate Director in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing reports, and writing grant renewals.
- Ensures adequate representation for a select and complex legal caseload at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings;
- Master Calendar Hearings; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- Negotiates with DHS and DOJ key players to rectify problems faced by clients.
- Conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications and court proceedings. Drafts supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepares and files immigration applications and court motions; prepares other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Provides other A Faith-Based Organization programs and staff with support, training, advice, and guidance in immigration legal matters pertinent to their clients.
- Keeps informed about immigrant issues and conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications. Researches changes in immigration laws and procedures, and provides interpretation of those changes to A Faith-Based Organization staff and constituency.
- Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
- Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants, and asylum seekers.
- Cultivates relationships with external attorneys in private practice and non-profit organizations and contributes to development and coordination of pro bono programming.
- Represents A Faith-Based Organization in meetings and in interactions with other agencies.
- Assists Associate Director in any related duties deemed necessary.
Qualifications:
Education: The applicant must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (Pennsylvania Bar preferred). Experience in immigration law required. Experience with asylum representation and working with vulnerable populations and children preferred.
Experience: Familiarity with US immigration issues and terminology and with DHS documentation as it relates to refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, parolees, asylees, unaccompanied children, and other immigrants. Supervisory and program management experience strongly preferred. At least 3 years' experience in litigation/immigration law required. Experience in asylum, children's immigration issues, and removal proceedings required.
Other Skills: Fluency in Spanish is required. Superior written and verbal communication skills are required. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and internet applications. Strong organizational and time management skills are required. Experience and commitment to working directly with the recipients of legal representation. Ability to work in a multicultural environment required. Must demonstrate high level of organization, creativity, and initiative; must be able to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously while working independently. Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a fast-paced work environment. Membership in the PA Bar preferred. Driver's
license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for frequent, reimbursable local travel.
