Senior Legal Representative

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Job Description

Job Overview:

The Senior Legal Representative, Immigration, who is accredited by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC to represent clients in immigration matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is an experienced legal professional providing immigration legal services and, [in some cases], supervising legal services provided by other DOJ accredited representatives as well as interns. [Insert focus of legal services, which may be removal defense where the position is fully accredited.]

Major Responsibilities:

Direct Client Services

· Represent immigration clients before USCIS [or EOIR where the position is fully accredited]. May handle more complex or sensitive cases, or otherwise utilize expertise to increase the capacity to serve clients.

· Conduct client intake, provide eligibility determinations and advise clients accordingly, and communicate clearly with clients to gather documents and evidence.

· Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and Department of State (DOS).

· Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS including notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and contribute to completion of funding proposals and statistical, narrative, and financial reports.

- Assess and make client referrals for other legal and/or social services as appropriate. - Stay apprised of immigration law as it pertains to IRC’s scope of services and maintain DOJ accreditation by attending and keeping records of continuing legal education training and credits. - Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.

Program and Staff Supervision

- Provide daily direct supervision to Legal Representatives and/or Legal Assistants employing adaptive management techniques to provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans. - Work with the Program Manager to ensure cases have high-quality legal review and that clients are counseled appropriately on their immigration options and potential risks and consequences of applying for certain immigration benefits. - Along with the Program Manager, ensure immigration staff adhere to the IRC Immigration Program Policies Manual, including through regular mentorship, direct observations of key client service activities (e.g., client intakes). - Ensure staff, interns and volunteers reporting to this position have a clear understanding of what activities constitute the unauthorized practice of law and how these boundaries should be applied in IRC’s legal service model. - Promote a high functioning, collaborative team with effective integration of volunteers within programs; collaborate with other IRC program areas as appropriate to ensure client-centered service. - In coordination with the Program Manager, conduct regular internal case file reviews (paper files and electronic case files) to ensure compliance with IRC Immigration Program Policies as well as any donor requirements. - As a senior staff member, support effective quality assurance systems and processes for course correction.

Data Management & Reporting

- Support accurate and timely completion of all program reports as required by funding sources, headquarters, and other partners. - Track monthly and quarterly performance using Lolly Law and ensure all client work is documented in Lolly Law.

Community Outreach

- Represent IRC at immigration-related meetings and events in the community; including by giving presentations.

· Assist with outreach strategy as necessary.

Job Requirements:

- Undergraduate degree required. - At least 2 to 3 years of professional experience representing individuals before USCIS or fully accredited to represent clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. - At least 1 year of experience supervising staff highly desirable; experience supervising interns may be considered. - Proven expertise in IRC’s scope of practice [insert based on office] - Excellent English written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills. - Proficiency in another language [SPECIFIC LANGUAGE NEEDS] strongly preferred. - Ability and passion to train staff with less experience on immigration legal issues. - Proven understanding of legal ethics standards and ability to instruct others on core principles of legal professional conduct. - Excellent organizational and time management skills - Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment. - Previous multi-cultural experience and proven ability to communicate well with people from diverse backgrounds strongly preferred.

Certificates or Licenses:

· Department of Justice accreditation with the IRC required.

Working Environment:

- Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events. - May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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Qualifications

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: rescue.org