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The YMCA of Greater Houston provides the following:

• Competitive compensation
• Generous and flexible PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long term disability, basic life insurance, and other voluntary benefits
• 403 (B) retirement plan
• Free YMCA membership

Description

YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the Y of Greater Houston and seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. YMCA International Services seeks a full-time immigration staff attorney to provide direct representation and pro-se support to newly arriving immigrants from the southern border, adults previously in ICE detention, and aged-out unaccompanied children. This position is currently funded for one year with the potential for renewal.

Duties /Responsibilities

• Provide legal screenings and intakes, advice and counseling, legal workshops, community outreach, and direct legal representation in immigration matters.
• Direct representation includes representing clients before the Immigration Court, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), state courts (if applicable), and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and federal courts.
• Manage a heavy caseload with complex immigration issues.
• Ensure contract compliance, including submitting any necessary monthly reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required.
• Organize and maintain client files for reporting purposes.
• Collaborate with other agencies, stakeholders, and service providers to procure client services and network with like-minded organizations.
• Provide mentorship and trainings in order to recruit and train pro bono attorneys.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance. Example includes but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.
• Perform all other duties as directed by Supervisor, including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees and food pantry distribution

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States
• Attorney must have a J.D. from an ABA certified law school and be licensed to practice in at least one state in the United States.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Experience in immigration law is preferred. Law school experience may be considered.
• Advanced legal research and writing skills.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, client-interviewing abilities, and an appreciation of multicultural experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time/resources; excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others, to work under pressure and handle a large volume of consultations, clients, and data, and highly self-motivated.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
• Candidate must be willing to commute to USCIS offices and immigration courts 45 minutes to 1.5 hours away. Must have driver’s license, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance. Example includes but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.

Outcomes

• Efficient and effective coordination will result in clients receiving quality legal services through pro se workshops, direct representation, and/or referral for social services;
• Staff attorney will meet numerical requirements for direct representation and pro se services as outlined by grant funder;
• Staff attorney will track data required by grant and timely file grant reports with funder.

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.