DOJ Accredited Representative

HIAS Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

16h•$55,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The DOJ Accredited Representative at HIAS Pennsylvania assists in providing legal services for immigrants in affirmative and defensive immigration matters. Depending on accreditation status, the representative assists or represents noncitizens in removal proceedings and affirmative applications for immigration relief before USCIS. Matters may include asylum and related relief, Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions, U and T visas, DACA, family-based immigration, and naturalization. The agency serves both detained and non-detained individuals. The role also includes non-direct representation and other legal services, such as educating immigrants and organizations that serve them and supporting pro se and limited-representation models. Case types and areas of focus depend on agency and community needs. The position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under a hybrid work model. It is full-time and exempt, with a 35-hour workweek. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, and travel may be required; travel expenses are reimbursed. The start date is as soon as possible. Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious-belief exemption. The role involves regularly discussing potentially distressing topics, including discrimination, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, violence, and psychological trauma. HIAS Pennsylvania provides information about available resources and training and will provide these directly as operationally possible.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Willingness to become a partially or fully DOJ-accredited representative.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with close attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, and the public.
Proficiency with web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, database management, and peer-to-peer communication platforms.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree (strongly preferred).
Experience working with refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations (strongly preferred).
High proficiency in a foreign language, especially Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Vietnamese (strongly preferred).
Demonstrated commitment to working with a public-interest organization.
Prior experience working with trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations.
Familiarity with G-suite tools.

Responsibilities

Assist in preparing, reviewing, and filing applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for immigration matters, including asylum and related relief, cancellation of removal, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U and T visas, VAWA, adjustment of status, and naturalization.
Assist in or provide direct representation to detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Conduct telephone and/or in-person intakes and consultations; participate in regular case rounds; and collaborate with colleagues to assess cases for possible representation and referrals.
Conduct legal orientations and know-your-rights presentations for community members.
Present on immigration law and policy to community-based organizations and other stakeholders.
Participate in local, regional, and national collaborations on policy initiatives, funding, and litigation efforts.
Help identify appropriate case stories for reports, advocacy materials, and public education.
Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring pro bono attorneys.
Participate in HIAS PA legal clinics.
Complete administrative tasks related to grant reporting, including timekeeping and tracking trainings.
Establish, organize, and maintain up-to-date files.
Work collaboratively with other staff and perform other duties assigned by supervisory staff according to agency needs.