Summary

The Lead Immigration Counselor-Attorney position is housed in Hartford Public Library’s The American Place Division. The Division offers a robust Citizenship Program including citizenship education, interview preparation, and application assistance. Hartford Public Library is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Access Program (OLAP) to offer legal advice by its attorneys and accredited representatives. As a not-for-profit organization, we are able to offer these services at no or low cost to the public.

Legal Counseling

• Renders highly confidential direct immigration legal counseling assistance to clients concerning immigration matters with emphasis on Naturalization law.
• Gathers information about individual cases to determine eligibility, advises clients on securing necessary documents to complete the required immigration forms.
• Refers complex cases to primarily pro-bono or low bono immigration attorneys as appropriate with approval from the program director and after written authorization of release of information from client.
• Prepares the necessary immigration forms for clients eligible to receive the immigration benefit and provides guidance regarding process involved.
• Assembles application to be submitted to USCIS and for final review by peer counselors.
• Participates in community outreach events and education related to Naturalization law and benefits available to immigrants (some of them on weekends).
• Notarizes documents when needed.
• May accompany and represent clients before the USCIS Connecticut District office.
• Maintains updated knowledge of immigration policies, practices, and changes therein.
• Some weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate programmatic needs.

Administrative

• Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits, as required by department/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing or accrediting bodies in the course of performing job expectations.
• Prepares thorough and detailed notes in case management system regarding interactions and conversations with clients, status of case, documents required and all other information vital for review and audit of file.
• Maintains spreadsheet of all active cases and reviews list either weekly or biweekly with peer Counselors and Department Manager.
• Ensures legal department files are maintained and destroyed in compliance with record retention policies and procedures.
• Generates reports as requested for funder and program compliance as needed.
• Makes procedure and policy recommendations regarding work processes and the application of laws and regulations.

Management/Supervisory

• Assists in hiring and training staff for the legal department including support staff, volunteers and interns.
• Supervises the work of the Department’s immigration legal staff including volunteers and interns.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.

Qualifications

• J.D. Degree or a Master’s Degree in related field.
• Authorized to practice immigration law as an attorney admitted in any state or as an Accredited Representative. USCIS Immigration Officers may be considered.
• Minimum two years immigration law experience, nationality law preferred.
• Minimum two years management/supervisory experience. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications notably Excel, OneDrive, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience with a legal case management systems or database systems.
• Excellent data entry skills with keen attention to detail.
• Experience with virtual communication/meeting tools such as Zoom, WhatsApp, WebEx. Strong legal writing and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with co-workers, clients, and community service providers.
• Ability to relate well and effectively in a multicultural and multilingual workplace with diverse client population.
• Sensitivity and trauma informed approach to serving clients. Extremely detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and to shift competing priorities to meet grant quota deliverables on time.

Work Environment

• Ability to continuously bend, twist, stoop, reach and pull.
• Ability to maintain composure in everyday, potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to meet a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Able to walk, sit and stand for extended periods.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

What we offer employees

Hartford Public Library offers robust benefits you won’t find at other nonprofit organizations through a unique partnership with the City of Hartford. This includes:

• MERF Pension Plan with employer contribution
• Health Care, Dental, Pharmacy benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement program 
• Paid professional development, continuing education and staff engagement opportunities
• Commitment to, and active plan of, diversity, equity, and inclusion work including implementation of the staff-led DEI Road Map.

What we offer the community

The Hartford Public Library is a national leader in redefining urban public libraries in the 21st century as innovative, stimulating and engaging spaces where people can learn and discover, explore their passions and find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life.

We are an integral part of the Hartford community and offer programs for all our citizens. With 7 locations and robust outreach services, we are here for Hartford. Our programs include:

• The American Place, which offers a variety of free services to welcome immigrants and refugees including English Language Learning, Citizenship preparation and civic engagement
• Digital Library Lab
• Hartford History Center
• HPL Studios
• YOUmedia teen spaces
• Baby Grand Jazz, a free series of Jazz performances open to everyone
• Summer Learning
• Leap into Learning - Early Literacy
• Adult education classes and support
• Career Certification, GED
• Technology training and digital literacy
• Library of Things
• Robust print, electronic, audio and video collections
• And so much more!

Hiring Range

• $62,509.32 - $66,067.30

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter to hpljobs@hplct.org and reference Lead Immigration Counselor-Attorney in the subject line of your email.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Public Library strongly recommends and encourages all newly hired employees to receive vaccinations. Vaccinations have proven to be an effective measure in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting individuals from severe illness. We are committed to safeguarding our workplace and community. While COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended, vaccinations are not required at this time.

Hartford Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Catholic Charities seeks to implement the Church's mission of social justice in the Diocese of Arlington in ways that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. In addition to a purpose-based work environment, Catholic Charities offers a generous benefit package including medical plans, generous holiday leave, paid Family Medical Leave*, flexible work options, career development, Diocesan tuition reimbursement*, retirement plans and much more.

Summary

The Legal Assistant will be responsible for assisting Hogar attorneys and/or DOJ accredited representatives in the preparation of cases for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and/or the National Visa Center (NVC).

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives with preparing family-based and/or humanitarian immigration application forms
• Photocopy files and paperwork for attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives Process incoming case-related correspondence
• Contact clients to follow up on case matters and return phone calls to clients on behalf of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives
• Assist with processing new client consultations scheduled through Hogar’s online scheduling and payment system – entering client information into Hogar’s online case management software, sending contracts and other forms for client signatures, creating client intake folders when necessary, and following up with clients before appointments as needed
• Manage maintenance of Hogar’s client files and maintain record-keeping per agency policies
• Close client files per file closing procedures and draft client closing letters, as needed
• Make daily trips to the post office and process, stamp, scan, and distribute incoming mail.

Other Duties

• Assist with coordinating and managing volunteer translators, and complete document translations, as needed
• Oversee the daily work of administrative volunteers as necessary
• Assist Hogar’s Receptionist and Business Manager with answering and returning phone calls, filing, and taking client payments, as needed
• Provide referrals to clients for non-legal services as needed
• Cover Hogar’s front desk as needed, including answering phone calls, returning voicemails, and attending to walk-in clients
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Fluency in Spanish (speaking and writing) required
• Two or more years’ experience working in a law firm or nonprofit organization preferred
• Competence in communicating and interacting with others of diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds in a professional and compassionate manner, including interacting with individuals experiencing substantial levels of emotional, physical, financial, or other hardship
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to manage a substantial workload with deadline pressures
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and multi-task
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office 2007 or later
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Regular access to a vehicle required for transportation to and from government agencies and workshop or other community events

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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary

• $26.16 hourly

Benefits

• Annual Bar dues and AILA membership dues paid,
• Vacation, Sick,
• 15 Paid Holidays,
• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• Pension,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• Diocesan Tuition Reimbursement K-12 after 1 year,
• free parking,
• Professional development tuition assistance eligible after 1 year,
• Closed between Christmas and New Years
• *Mileage reimbursement where applicable.

To apply, click here

Catholic Charities seeks to implement the Church's mission of social justice in the Diocese of Arlington in ways that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. In addition to a purpose-based work environment, Catholic Charities offers a generous benefit package including medical plans, generous holiday leave, paid Family Medical Leave*, flexible work options, career development, Diocesan tuition reimbursement*, retirement plans and much more.

Summary

The Immigration Staff Attorney prepares a wide range of family-based and humanitarian immigration cases for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State, Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). S/he represents clients before the USCIS Washington District Office, Arlington Asylum Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Immigration Court, and BIA, including removal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct consultations independently to determine clients’ eligibility for immigration benefits
• Maintain a caseload of affirmative family-based and/or humanitarian immigration cases, coordinating all aspects of clients’ cases including client communication, relevant research, drafting personal statements, preparing immigration forms, writing briefs, drafting court motions and orders, and advocacy with law enforcement and other agencies
• Supervise Hogar’s Legal Assistant(s)

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the bar of any state; Virginia bar admission preferred
• Minimum of one year of experience or training in family-based and/or humanitarian immigration law (may include law school clinics and/or internships, recent graduates)
• Fluency in Spanish (speaking and writing) required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to manage a substantial workload with deadline pressures
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and multi-task
• Competence in communicating and interacting with others of diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds in a professional and compassionate manner, including interacting with individuals experiencing substantial levels of emotional, physical, financial, or other hardship
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office 2007 or later
• Ability to use online case management software
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Regular access to a vehicle required for transportation to and from government agencies and workshop or other community events

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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary

• $65,783 - $67,200

Benefits

• Annual Bar dues and AILA membership dues paid,
• Vacation, Sick,
• 15 Paid Holidays,
• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• Pension,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• Diocesan Tuition Reimbursement K-12 after 1 year,
• free parking,
• Professional development tuition assistance eligible after 1 year,
• Closed between Christmas and New Years
• *Mileage reimbursement where applicable.

To apply, click here

Summary

The Senior Attorney has responsibility for providing accurate and comprehensive legal advice to CLINIC’s network of charitable immigration legal services organizations (“CLINIC affiliates”) through the Ask the Experts portal, conducting trainings (both in-person and virtually), and authoring articles and other legal resource materials. The attorney must analyze and apply immigration law principles to complex questions and fact scenarios.

Primary Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Training

• Maintain a broad knowledge and understanding of U.S. immigration law and be informed about changes in immigration regulations and policies.
• Provide accurate and comprehensive legal advice to affiliates through the Ask the Expert portal.
• Assist in preparing trainings on substantive immigration law topics.
• Conduct in-person and remote trainings and webinars.
• Partner with CLINIC’s Field Engagement team to:
  • assess topics for training and resources based on affiliate inquiries and feedback;
  • determine areas for continued excellence or improvement in providing training and technical assistance;
  • coordinate and collaborate on affiliate cohort sessions as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records in CLINIC’s data management system.
• As assigned, accept opportunities to speak at conferences on immigration law issues.
• Exercise independent legal judgment.

Writing

• As assigned, write articles and assist in updating CLINIC’s legal reference materials.
• Assist CLINIC’s Advocacy section on select issues including analyzing and drafting comments to proposed regulations, changes in policy guidance and revisions to immigration forms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Minimum of eight (8) years of immigration law practice including family-based immigration and representing unaccompanied children in removal proceedings.
• Preference given to those with background in children’s asylum claims, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and other forms of relief for children and knowledge of the ORR detention and release system.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of the highest court in any State or the District of Columbia
• Strong legal analytical skills
• Ability to travel on occasion for trainings and conferences
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Other

• Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organizations mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Occasional travel may be required to attend CLINIC’s board of directors meetings, and other special events
• The work you will do is covered by a collective employment agreement between Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. "CLINIC" and the Nonprofit Professional Employees' Union "NPEU" Local 70. Please contact your local union representative at clinicworkersunited@gmail.com with any union-related questions.
• Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff abide by the following Organization Behaviors
  • Serve with integrity
  •  Develop innovative solutions
  •  Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network
  • Cultivate constructive relationships
  •  Model stewardship
  •  Maintain a positive attitude
  •  Exhibit leadership skills and initiative
  •  Communicate effectively
  •  Own your work
  • Teamwork and cooperation with colleagues
  • Resolve conflicts effectively and make effective decisions

Salary Range

• $87,000 - $93,000

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment

CLINIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. CLINIC also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

If you’re interested in applying for this vacancy, please click here.

Summary

Riis Settlement is seeking a full-time, bilingual (English/Spanish) Immigration Attorney with a strong background in immigration law and demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights to join our nonprofit legal services program based in Queens. Reporting to the program director, the Immigration Attorney is responsible for conducting legal consultations and representing clients with affirmative cases with USCIS. The attorney will also oversee program expansion to begin providing pro se legal services to asylum seekers. The attorney leads the organization’s legal team including supervising three DOJ representatives/paralegals across two program sites in LIC and Sunnyside, Queens.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive legal screenings to evaluate eligibility for immigration benefits and relief and provide legal advice.
• Accept viable cases for representation and provide appropriate referrals for case types outside of the scope of services.
• Manage small caseload of affirmative cases including but not limited to naturalization, green card renewals, family-based adjustment of status, DACA renewals, and FOIA requests.
• Track and report on the outcome of each screening, cases accepted, case outcomes, and any referrals made.
• Maintain updated client files and case notes in electronic databases.
• Supervise two DOJ representatives/paralegals through weekly supervision meetings and oversight of their intakes and casework.
• Monitor case data monthly, ensuring alignment with program and grant requirements.
• Stay informed on U.S. immigration laws and procedures through regular training, attending meetings with immigration agencies, legal research, and peer-to-peer consultation.

Asylum Seeker Grant

• Oversee expansion of legal services under new grant to serve asylum seekers, including providing pro se assistance with asylum, TPS, and employment authorization applications.
• Train and supervise the asylum paralegal to assist eligible clients with preparing asylum, TPS, and employment authorization applications as well as assisting with urgent legal needs such as change of address and drafting motions to change venue.
• Establish designated “office hours” to provide consultations, review documents, and answer questions that the paralegal cannot answer.
• As needed, plan and host legal orientations and pro se clinics to provide group application assistance.
• Coordinate training for pro bono attorneys and law student volunteers.
• Implement efficient systems to manage screenings and caseloads of both affirmative cases and pro se relief cases, and ensure that grant deliverables are met.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide legal training and ongoing professional development to legal staff and interns.
• Facilitate community presentations on immigration policy and rights.
• Attend mandatory program meetings and training sessions.
• Engage in community-based meetings and coalitions related to immigrant rights.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of 3 years experience practicing immigration law, and knowledge and ability to handle complex immigration matters.
• Additional experience in asylum law is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required; additional languages preferred.
• Familiarity with intersection of immigration with public benefits, criminal, and family law.
• Ability to manage time effectively, multi-task, determine priorities, and work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations. Demonstrated ability to be a strong team member in a collaborative nonprofit environment.
• Committed to providing service in a manner that is sensitive to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Salary Range: $86,000.00 - $91,000.00 Job Location: - LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101

To Apply, click here.

Summary

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need. Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ's mission in Central Texas. Positions at Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways. Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

The immigration attorney is responsible for case management and legal representation of immigrants in their immigration cases before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or EOIR.

Essential Duties

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Conduct timely and thorough legal consultation on immigration cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits and provide legal advice to clients, assessing risks and benefits of any proposed course of action.
• Provide legal representation to immigrants before the USCIS, the EOIR, and/or, for Texas attorneys, in State court when necessary to support client's immigration case.
• Serve as a referral source, by maintaining relationship with attorneys, non-profits, and other professionals when attorney assistance or other expertise is needed.
• Evaluate facts, develop strategies and arguments, and engage in extensive legal writing of briefs and affidavits to prepare immigration cases in family based immigration matters, adjustment of status, citizenship and naturalization, VAWA petitions, U visa petitions and other immigration matters.
• Maintain an organized high volume case load and manage special projects.
• Advice staff on legal matters, assign work to staff and conduct peer review of all cases filed.
• Participate as attendee and/or presenter on immigration workshops and trainings.
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and skill in immigration laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of State law, particularly in regard to juvenile and family court matters involving minors.
• Skill in an immigration program administration, including financial monitoring, grant compliances, policies and procedures and staff supervision.
• Skill in analytical research, strategical thinking and cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Ability to develop, manage, and work within the parameters of a program budget.
• Ability to proficiently write grant and contract.
• Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).
• Ability to execute with efficiency on short-and long term projects.
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons. Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders and community agencies).
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25 county service region as necessary.

Qualifications

• Doctorate of Juris Prudence and current license to practice immigration law in the United States.
• Experience: Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient in conversing, writing, and reading).
• Doctorate of Juris Prudence.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Business Hours and Location

Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This position may require working some evenings and weekends. This position works at 1625 Rutherford Lane Austin, TX.

Work Conditions

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25 county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25 county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.

To Apply, click here.