Staff Attorney/Accredited Representative – Immigration Program

ASCEND JUSTICE•Berwyn, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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,
Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence
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

Nice To Haves

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.
Experience working with domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy organizations in any capacity preferred

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.
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.