Staff Attorney- Immigrant Children’s Program

About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Applying Instructions: Visit cwsglobal.org and click on the Employment link to find this position application. Inclusion of a cover letter and a current resume are required. Please email the cover letter to [email protected]

Purpose

To provide legal representation on a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA with special focus on vulnerable populations and children in ORR custody

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal screenings with clients, including unaccompanied minors in ORR custody; prepare clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Create and present Know Your Rights information to clients both on a one-on-one basis and in group settings, specifically to unaccompanied minors in ORR custody.
• Ensure adequate representation for CWS clients at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master Calendar Hearings; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Negotiate with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients.
• Draft supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepare and file immigration applications and motions; prepare other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Properly manage client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
• Represent CWS/IRP at meetings, and various Task Force meetings, related to immigration issues.
• Respond to requests for information posed by local staff and other legal service providers, as appropriate.
• Conduct legal research to support filed immigration applications.
• Provide legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of CWS/Lancaster legal and immigration services.
• Assists the ICP Manager, Associate Director, and/or Office Director in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.
• Keeps supervisor informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution
• Works closely with supervisor to keep informed about immigrant issues and conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications.
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: The applicant must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (State Bar preferred) or be fully accredited by the DOJ. CWS will submit an application for full accreditation on behalf of a non-attorney incumbent. Experience with immigration representation and other areas of Immigration law, including asylum representation and working with vulnerable populations and children.

Other Skills: Spanish language skills required. Superior written and verbal communication skills are required. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications. Drivers license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for frequent, reimbursable local travel.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes: - 403 (b) Retirement Plan - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years) - 14 Official Holidays - Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly) - Life Insurance and AD&D - Long Term and Short-Term Disability - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Health Savings Account - Flexible Spending Accounts - Commuter Benefits