Staff Attorney/Accredited Representative - Immigration Program

Benefits:

• FSA Health, Dependent Care, Commute
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Supervised by: Managing Director, Immigration and Client Support Division

Status: Full-time

Ascend Justice is seeking a full-time staff attorney/accredited representative in the Immigration and Client Services Division to bridge the gap between domestic violence programs and immigration services in Cook County. This position will serve Cook County-area domestic violence providers with technical assistance to DV program staff, trainings and presentations to staff and participants; and conducting consultations and referrals for immigrant survivors seeking immigration legal representation.

An ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience in immigration practice, specifically with humanitarian-based applications such as VAWA, U Visa, Battered Spouse Waivers, T visa, or asylum; experience with removal defense, including bond, asylum, and cancellation or removals, and general knowledge of a variety of immigration remedies. In addition, an ideal candidate will have experience providing Know Your Rights presentations and training/workshops on immigration law. Preferably, the ideal candidate will have experience working with domestic violence programs and advocates.

Essential Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Community Outreach (approximately 70% of the position)

• Develop collaborative partnerships with domestic violence programs in Cook County
• Respond to technical assistance requests from the Cook County domestic violence community
• Develop and present Know Your Rights training to survivors of gender-based violence and program staff
• Develop and present training on relevant immigration topics for domestic violence program staff, survivors, and other network partners

Client Services (approximately 25% of the position)

• Conduct consultations with domestic violence program participants, assess appropriate remedies, and provide advice and referral
• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients to evaluate cases for representation.
• Provide high-quality representation for survivors of gender-based violence seeking humanitarian relief in immigration matters
• Manage a limited caseload of ongoing immigration cases
• Deliver services according to principles of trauma-informed care.
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications, and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with the agency’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services.

Administration (approximately 5% of the position)

• In collaboration with the Managing Director of the Immigration Division, develop policies and procedures that ensure the Division’s clients receive holistic, integrated services.
• Participate in agency staff meetings and other required events.
• Maintain personnel records related to supervisees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment

• This position is approximately 40% in person, 60% remote, but these proportions are subject to change.
• Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required, and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
• Evening, weekend, and overnight work/travel may occasionally be required.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to Practice law in any state in the US or Accredited by the US Department of Justice.
• At least One (1) three year of experience in immigration practice
• Experience representing clients in VAWA, U Visa, Battered Spouse Waivers, T-visa, or asylum applications and/or in removal defense, including bond, asylum, and cancellation of removal
• Spanish language proficiency, including the ability to interview and represent clients with limited or no English-speaking abilities,
• Broad knowledge of non-humanitarian applications before USCIS (e.g., family-based, DACA; consular processing, parole) is preferred.
• Experience representing clients in removal defense, including bond, asylum, and cancellation of removal, is preferred
• Experience negotiating with ICE/ISAP on supervision, prosecutorial discretion, and parole is preferred.
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
• Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence
• Experience working with domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy organizations in any capacity preferred
• Experience developing training/educational materials for the community and or professionals;
• Experience providing presentations on immigration topics to the community and professionals
• Demonstrated ability to build community networks and collaboration across disciplines
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence
• Ability to work in fast-paced legal environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Flexible, self-motivated
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• Sense of humor

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to [email protected]