POSITION SUMMARY:The Immigration Attorney or DOJ-accredited representative will play a critical role in World Relief Western WA's Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team. The primary role of the Immigration Attorney or DOJ-accredited representative will be to represent clients in applications before US Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). If licensed as an attorney, the position will also involve limited-scope representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Please note: this position is being advertised for either a DOJ-accredited representative or a licensed attorney. Compensation ranges vary (32.40-34.00 per hour for a DOJ-accredited representative, and 80,000-84,000 per year for an attorney). ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:Client Services- Provides substantive legal screening to determine clients' benefit eligibility.
- Explain immigration benefits and advise clients on best actions to take for their specific case.
- Assist clients with completing applications for immigration benefits.
- Provide representation to individuals needing assistance filing applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (green card applications, naturalization, family-based immigration, asylum and other humanitarian visas).
- Help clients advocate for themselves when they are interacting with government agencies such as: the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other government offices.
- Perform factual and legal research for personal caseload and in support of other ILS team members.
- Communicate clearly with clients about all matters related to their immigration situation, and the ability to clearly explain to clients what supporting documents and evidence must be provided.
- Advocate zealously for clients.
Administration- Maintain up-to-date record of client data and case progress in both LawLogix database and in multiple Excel documents.
- Ensure physical and electronic case files are accurate and up-to-date with most recent client documents and government notices.
- Respond promptly to client emails and phone calls regarding their cases and submit inquiries on case status to DOS, USCIS, DHS and EOIR, as needed.
- Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting in a timely manner.
Training- Alongside ILS Program Manager, train other ILS team members on relevant legal topics, including how to file immigration petitions/motions.
- Attend relevant trainings to promote an ever-growing knowledge of immigration law and tactics.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and refugees and share updates with other team members.
Outreach & Community Education- Assist with advertising WRS Immigration Legal Services to target immigrant populations and may participate in and/or lead community education events on topics of legal importance to target immigrant populations.
- Make referrals both internally and externally, as appropriate.
- Conduct Know-Your-Rights trainings when required to do so.
Additional Duties if Licensed as an Attorney- Provide representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Administrative Review (EOIR) - Immigration Court.
- Draft and file motions and applications at EOIR Immigration Courts.
- Counsel individuals in removal proceedings on immigration law, case procedures and legal options.
- Determine legal strategy in cooperation with other attorneys and the program manager.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:- Mature and personal Christian faith
- Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
- Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
- Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document
- Previous knowledge and understanding of immigration law and systems.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Outlook, Excel, Word & PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people from a wide range of cultural, racial, religious and language backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage a varied and demanding caseload, including excellent time-management, priority-setting, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
- Occasional travel to Whatcom County and Thurston County office locations (1-2 times per month) required.
- A desire to serve immigrants and refugees in support of the mission and vision of World Relief.
- Flexibility, resourcefulness and the ability to enthusiastically assist with other duties as assigned.
Additional requirements for Immigration Attorney:
- Licensed attorney in good standing with an active state bar membership.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken by the populations we serve is highly desirable (e.g., Spanish, French, Dari, Arabic, or other relevant languages).
- Licensed under the Washington State Bar
- Previous experience with Immigration Case Management System Equifax (LawLogix)
- Experience within a non-profit legal environment
- Candidates from refugee, asylee or immigrant backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
Additional preferred qualifications for Immigration Attorney:
- Removal defense experience is desirable
$32.40 - $40.50 an hour
World Relief offers a competitive benefits package and employee discount program for full-time, Regular, employees.
World Relief is honored to be recognized with the Gold-level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation for exceeding the core components of our well-being program including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, and whole person health.
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