Immigration Staff Attorney

POSITION TITLE:          Immigration Staff Attorney

DEPARTMENT:             Refugee and Immigrant Services (Hybrid: San Diego and Imperial Valley offices)

REPORTS TO:               Managing Attorney

FLSA STATUS:              Exempt

TIME COMMITMENT:  Full Time (some weekends and evenings as needed)

SALARY:                       $75,000- 80,000 annually

To apply for this position you need to complete this Application

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Immigration Staff Attorney supports the Managing Attorney in the operation of Immigration Services in Imperial Valley. This position will provide robust direct legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in Imperial County in affirmative immigration matters. This position requires travel to El Centro on a weekly basis with use of agency vehicle.

AGENCY CULTURE: 

The business and social environment in which our Agency operates is continuously changing.

To thrive, we much incorporate new ways of thinking and embrace new practices. As part of

this cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the

following:

A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values (“We Do the Right Thing”)

A commitment to excellence in everything we do (“We Do Things Right”)

A commitment to achieving desired outcomes and measured results (Everything Matters”)

A commitment to innovation and to what is possible (“Creativity and Generativity”)

ESSENTIAL FUCTIONS:

• Conduct legal consultations and determine eligibility for immigration benefits both virtually and in person with the El Centro office.
• Prepare and file cases with USCIS seeking to maintain and/or obtain lawful status in the USA.  
• Provide legal opinion as to acceptance of new cases/clients for legal services.
• Preparation and submission of applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation as needed in affirmative USCIS processes
• Works in partnership with Managing Attorney to develop and recommend case strategy
• Assist IS team as needed and practicable for supporting IS caseload in Imperial County
• Attend trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy, including additional trainings on AOS and complex waivers as needed
• Provide training to affirmative legal team, including case review upon request
• Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on immigration law and understanding individual rights
• Work with the Managing Attorney and/or Program Support Manager on projects as needed
• Assist department administration in the development and expansion of its Immigration services and resources
• Support Managing Attorney as program lead for volunteer attorneys and legal interns.
• Assist Managing Attorney, in the administration of attorney programming
• Submit program reports and statistics in a timely manner
• Perform additional duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Law Degree (JD) from an ABA-Accredited S. institution
• Minimum of 1-2 years or more of immigration law experience
• Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility
• Ability to represent clients before USCIS and Immigration Court
• Ability to provide training to volunteer attorneys and interns regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, eligibility criteria
• Must possess strong legal research and writing skills
• Familiarity of local DHS and USCIS offices and procedures, preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid California Drivers License
• Current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements
• Completion of DMV Employer Pull Program paperwork
• Completion of a background check
• Member of the Bar Association, preferably California (admitted and in continued good standing) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Must be able to travel to various locations to support the needs of the program. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego is a diverse, all-inclusive service organization and employer. We do not discriminate against any candidates on the basis of: race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, gender and/or gender reassignment status, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and/or maternity, marriage and/or civil union status, or any other legally protected characteristics.