Immigration Staff Attorney

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF SANTA ROSA

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

NOTICE:  This job description is provided as a general summary of common job duties performed by individuals assigned to this job title.  It is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to create a contract, written or implied, between employees and Catholic Charities, nor does it in any way alter the employment at-will relationship that exists between employees and Catholic Charities.  As a condition of employment, all agency employees are expected to perform job duties assigned by agency management even when such duties are not included in their job description.

 

JOB TITLE:                               Immigration Staff Attorney

REPORTS TO:                          Immigration Staff Attorney Supervisor

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:         Exempt

TIME COMMITMENT:            Full-Time

 

Position Summary

The Immigration Staff Attorney provides direct legal representation to clients with immigration cases, supervises the Immigration Staff Attorney team, and contributes to the overall mission of Catholic Charities. This role requires a strong understanding of immigration law, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality legal services.

Essential Functions

1. Provide direct legal services through consultations, preparing applications, and submitting cases to Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).
2. Remain updated in immigration law and policy through ongoing training. Provide training to staff.
3. Participate in promotional activities, including outreach, immigration fairs and workshops.
4. Maintain accurate and up-to-date client immigration files, both paper and electronic, in the database.
5. Collaborate effectively with a cohesive team to serve clients’ best interests.
6. Provide accurate case information and complete internal forms regarding case demographics.
7. Identify substantive inconsistencies during case reviews, draft detailed cover letters for complex cases, and prepare responses for Request for Evidence (RFE).
8. Provide direct representation in master and individual hearings with Immigration court.
9. Prepare motions, applications, briefs and exhibits of evidence for advocacy before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office, and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.
10. Follow all best practices standards of care and Catholic Charities’ Policies and Procedures, including Release of Information, informed consent, confidentiality, and file documentation.
11. Support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Catholic Charities in the performance of all essential job functions and responsibilities.

Note:  Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter child abuse and elder abuse.

Other Responsibilities

1. Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
2. Is required to work evenings and weekends as needed.
3. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Agency Culture

It is essential that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

• A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
• A commitment to excellence in everything we do.
• A commitment to performance and quality improvement.
• A commitment to outcomes and measured results.
• A commitment to innovation and to what is possible

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

1. California Bar license with membership in the California Bar Association in good standing, and a minimum of two years of direct immigration law experience, required.
2. Bilingual (English/Spanish), 90% passing score on the Catholic Charities’ test of oral and written Spanish fluency required.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize and manage tasks efficiently.
4. High analytical skills and independent judgment. Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information. Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
5. Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations. Previous experience or involvement with immigrant community, preferred.
6. Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner.
7. Cooperative, friendly, solution-oriented, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
8. Computer literacy required, including experience with Office 365 suite, database programs, and the specialized software used by the Immigration Program.
9. Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic Charities and its clients
10. Valid driver license and at least state required minimum of automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record and ability to provide own transportation. Must be willing and able to travel between agency sites.
11. Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies prior to start of employment.

Job Analysis/Job Description Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand, walk, travel, and stoop or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent incoming telephone calls, scanners, and copiers as well as a wide range of clients or at times clients in distress contribute to a noise level of average to above average.

Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the essential duties, functions, and requirements of the position.

Employee Signature_____________________________________  Date______________

Employee Name (Printed)_________________________________________________________