Deputy Program Director, Children's Program (DUCs)

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (Amica Center)•Washington, DC

9h•$86,000 - $100,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Program Director helps the Program Director manage and lead Amica Center’s Children’s Program, which provides legal orientation and screening to detained migrant children in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, as well as free legal services to children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody in the greater Capitol region. The program has about 30 staff. The Deputy contributes to its strategic vision, legal supervision and training, administration, budget, hiring and structure, and personnel development, and supports efficient, effective, and equitable operations. The role also serves on the organizational Leadership Team and contributes to organization-wide policies and strategy. The position combines program leadership and supervision with direct legal representation. The Deputy manages a small caseload of children’s immigration cases, supervises and mentors attorneys, supports legal information and screening processes, and contributes to case placement and shared program resources. The Deputy works with the Program Director, the Acacia Center for Justice, other Amica Center programs, and external stakeholders to support contract compliance, coordinate legal and advocacy strategies, and maintain effective relationships. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Program Director, with supervisory responsibility. The position is based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, Maryland office. Amica Center has a hybrid work environment requiring at least one in-office day per week, although this role may require greater in-person attendance or travel. Work-related travel for hearings, jail visits, and program meetings is required. Salary is $86,000–$100,100, with a higher salary potentially offered to candidates with six or more years of directly relevant experience.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD).
At least five years of relevant experience in immigration law.
Management and supervision experience.
Written and oral Spanish working proficiency.
Licensed to practice law in Maryland or Virginia, eligible to waive in, or willing to sit for the next scheduled bar exam.
Valid driver’s license and comfort operating a vehicle upon hiring.
Favorable results on background checks, including driving record, Child Protection Registry, and state and federal criminal records.
Commitment to principles of equity and inclusion.
Ability to work in a hybrid environment and fulfill job responsibilities in person as required.
Ability to travel for work-related business; reasonable accommodation may be available under the ADA for qualified individuals with disabilities.
All employees must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, including receiving subsequent CDC-recommended boosters within 30 days of eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Family law experience.
Experience working with child clients.
Six or more years of directly relevant experience may qualify candidates for a higher salary offer.

Responsibilities

Contribute to strategic planning and implementation for the Children’s Program and organization.
Oversee core program functions with the Program Director and leadership team, including keeping staff informed about legal developments and ensuring staff receive appropriate training and support.
Supervise and train attorneys handling direct representation cases, including case strategy, trial preparation, and caseload management.
Improve staff efficiency and effectiveness and support staff professional development and performance management.
Coordinate legal, litigation, and advocacy efforts and strategies with other Amica Center programs.
Manage a small caseload representing clients in removal proceedings before local immigration courts, USCIS, and state courts, including cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture protection, SIJS, U-visas, and T-visas.
Contribute to supervision of team-wide representation processes, including legal information and screening for children, sample development and maintenance, and case placement decisions.
Supervise attorneys’ casework and caseload management, including co-counseling with junior staff when appropriate.
Mentor pro bono attorneys handling children’s cases.
Complete casework administration, including preparing and submitting filings, maintaining files, and keeping records.
Work with the Program Director and Acacia Center for Justice to support contract compliance and stakeholder relationships.
Engage with community groups, government bodies and representatives, and legal service providers regarding children’s detention and legal services.
Represent Amica Center in trainings and public engagements.
Contribute to creating, implementing, and evaluating team structures and policies, including equitable and inclusive hiring, professional development, and performance evaluation.
Support grant compliance and reporting, budgeting, time and expense reporting, and data management as assigned.
Represent the Children’s Program on organization-wide leadership teams and participate in committees and working groups as needed.
Travel for work-related hearings, jail visits, and programmatic meetings.