Supervising Immigration Advocate, Immigration Legal Services – Affirmative Services

Jewish Family Service of San Diego • San Diego, CA

1d • $72,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervising Immigration Advocate will be responsible for overseeing the program, casework, and team members of the Affirmative Services program in addition to providing direct representation for clients in immigration cases before USCIS and EOIR while helping to support the broader efforts of the ILSD. Supervision of interns, post-bar clerks, and law students working on cases before the immigration court may be required.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law as a fully DOJ Accredited Representative
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a supervisor role
• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive off-site as required
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills, attention to detail and professional attitude
• Excellent supervisory interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills and professional attitude
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Passion for social justice for immigrants
• Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
• Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants
• Willing to cover other staff as needed
• Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft software including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, Adobe, and Zoom

Nice To Haves

• Speaking another language such as Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Portuguese, Haitian Creole or French are a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation to JFS-ILSD clients in complex immigration cases for ongoing professional development including representation before the various DHS agencies (USCIS, AAO, CBP, BP, ICE, EOIR, and BIA), while helping to support the broader efforts of the JFS-ILSD team and maintain an excellent track record of providing immigration legal services
• Supervision and review of the legal work of accredited representatives (Immigration Specialist) and other team members in the Affirmative Services program who provide direct assistance and legal representation in defensive and affirmative cases, including appeals
• Conduct weekly individual check-ins and case management support with Immigration Specialist and other team members
• Assigning work and providing guidance to Immigration Specialists and other team members on how to prepare cases, conduct legal research, provide guidance and instruction on complex cases, and final review before filing cases
• Provide legal supervision and guidance to other ILSD programs staff as needed
• Develop procedures and guidance in coordination with Managing Attorney and Department Directors to promote the JFS-ILSD mission and protect Affirmative Services potential clients and clients from legal malpractice
• Design, oversee and provide accurate legal orientation, presentations, and education regarding immigration legal rights, and a range of other immigration legal issues faced by members of the low-income immigrant communities in San Diego County
• Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies and ensure all those working on the Affirmative Services program are briefed and operate under the most current up-to-date immigration laws and policies
• Along with Managing Attorney, ensure correct legal analysis and implementation of legal strategies of all complex questions of law related to representation, ineligibility for relief, and the declining of services
• Comply with JFS-ILSD and agency wide policies and procedures, data and case management policies and procedures, and program reporting requirements and ensure all those working on the Affirmative Services program are up-to-date and following internal policies and procedures
• Ensure the team is complying with HR policies and procedures
• Participate in program audits (internal and by funders), grant reporting of program and contribute to timely and accurate completion of grant funding applications
• Create and maintain a positive teamwork atmosphere within the team and externally
• Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney and Directors

Benefits

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance
• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees