Consulting Attorney-Immigration Legal Services

Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

23h

About The Position

Founded in 1937, JFCS is committed to helping people of all ages and backgrounds through life’s changes and challenges. We do this by providing comprehensive, innovative and compassionate social service programs for everyone who walks through our door and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region . In today’s world, it is important that your life’s work brings you value and purpose. By being a member of the team at JFCS, you will experience hands-on opportunities that directly help people in the Greater Pittsburgh region through life’s changes and challenges. Position Summary The Consulting Attorney for Immigration Legal Services is a two-year grant funded position through the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact. This new position responds to the persistent shortage of accessible immigration legal services in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. The Consulting Attorney will provide legal consultations for individuals seeking pathways to remain in the United States . The Consulting Attorney will also mentor trained pro-bono attorneys assigned to complete filings and represent clients.

Requirements

Must be culturally sensitive to the unique needs of a diverse array of individuals from around the world and demonstrate a deep understanding of trauma informed services
Demonstrate a high level of organization
Clear, concise written and verbal communication with staff, clients, partners, and other stakeholders
Demonstrated abilities as a collaborative team player
Cultural humility and openness to learning is a hallmark of this position
Ability to work independently and to manage the work of others
Must have access to reliable vehicle, insurance, and valid license
Regular regional travel in western Pennsylvania is as part of the job description
Must be available for legal clinics and trainings on evenings and weekends
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
work independently and to manage the work of others
JD with the ability to practice in the United States
Demonstrated knowledge an d 2 year's experien ce in immigration legal services
Experience working in related social service or non-profit field
Familiarity with program planning and development as well as implementation and assessment
Strong administrative management and organizational skills with a keen focus on details

Responsibilities

Provide legal consultations for community me mbers seeking immigration legal support referred by the member organizations in the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact (CII)
Complete immigration legal screenings and consultations for all referred individuals
Provide a comprehensive explanation to each individual of their immigration legal status and available legal options
When appropriate , refer individuals to CII legal service providers or to pro bono volunteers for assistance
Directly report to the JFCS Director of Immigration Legal Services
Collaborate with the leadership of the CII Pro Bono Legal Services Project
Refer clients to appropriate legal representation when appropriate.
Provide timely , accurate , and detailed reporting which includes case data and referrals into the Pro Bono P roject’s management and referral systems
Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS, to maintain attorney license and stay abreast of changes in policies and procedures.
Assume other responsibilities and participate in additional projects as assigned
Work with JFCS’ Community and Donor Engagement Manager, Casa San Jose’s Legal Services Coordinator and the JFCS Director of Immigration Legal Services to develop and implement a mentoring and retention strategy for volunteer attorneys
Work with the leadership of the Pro Bono Project to develop and facilitate trainings for pro bono attorneys
Work with the leadership of the Pro Bono Project to develop, coordinate and facilitate community immigration legal clinics
Serve as the JFCS legal representative at all trainings and clinics coordinated through the Pro Bono Project
Participate in JFCS outreach to publicize and promote the pro-bono project.
Assign cases , supervise and mentor trained pro bono attorneys working with JFCS clients to ensure they are being handled appropriately
Function as the main point of contact for immigration legal referrals from the member organizations in the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact (CII)
Be an ambassador to represent JFCS externally in a positive and collaborative way.