Position Description:

This is a full-time, exempt position. The immigration attorney reports to the Supervising Attorney and Department Director. Conducts legal assessment of detained and non-detained clients as well as Unaccompanied Minors in both San Diego and Imperial County, and review of complex cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits and need for referral to other legal providers. Provides consultations and prepare and submit applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The position includes travel to Imperial County (Agency vehicle provided for travel), education, outreach and legal consultation work regarding public charge, and know your rights.

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:

• Legal Representation

  1. Conduct legal consultations for non-detained individuals and unaccompanied minors and determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Prepare and file cases for individuals in removal proceedings, both in the detained and non-detained context. Representation will be provided in both San Diego and Imperial counties.
  2. Visit detained clients at Otay Mesa Detention Center and Imperial Regional Detention Facility and assist with post-release service coordination including securing temporary housing, food and travel arrangements.
  3. Represent clients in proceedings before EOIR with the following: custody redetermination hearings, defensive asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture, non-LPR and LPR cancellation of removal, waivers, and complex family-based adjustment of status.
  4. Draft declarations, legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
  5. Attend trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy.

• Community Engagement

  1. Travel as needed and directed to any of the Agency sites, to detention facilities or courts as required.
  2. Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on basic pathways to citizenship, benefits eligibility, understanding individual rights, and other topics.

• Program Development

  1. Assist as directed in any of the myriad activities required to balance workload priorities, grant-based goals, in-service training and handling of resources so as to ensure maximum productivity and fiscal solvency for Immigrant Services.
  2. Assist department administration in the development and expansion of its immigration services and resources.

• Agency Engagement/Procedures

  1. Follow established program protocols
  2. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures
  3. Submit program reports and statistics in a timely manner
  4. Participate in departmental meetings, on-line webinars and other training opportunities

Education and/or Experience:

1. Jurisprudence Degree plus experience in immigration removal defense.
2. License to practice law in State of California or other State. Must be in good standing.
3. Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility.
4. Ability to represent clients before USCIS and Immigration Court.
5. Ability to provide training to staff regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, eligibility criteria.
6. Must possess strong legal research and writing skills.
7. Familiarity of local DHS and EOIR offices and procedures preferred.
8. Bilingual English/ Spanish required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid California Drivers License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements. Member of the Bar Association, preferably California. Access to and admission in Federal Court.

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

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.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Catholic Charities reserves the right to revise job descriptions as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Interested candidates can reach out to Ralph Enriquez, Supervising Attorney, with any questions REnriquez@ccdsd.org. For consideration, resume and cover letter should be submitted to ntoppozada@ccdsd.org and REnriquez@ccdsd.org