Reports To: Senior Staff Attorney
Location: New York, NY and Jersey City, NJ
Team: Immigration & Refugee Program
Close Date: Until Filled
Status: Exempt; Non-Bargaining Unit
Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit organization working to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.
To Apply:
Please visit the link below to apply directly online to this position.
http://cws.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2h9xbohiw2u
Please note that CWS does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.
Communications
CWS uses Applicant Stack for all communications, please be sure to check your e-mail frequently and please check your junk/spam folder. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.
Primary Purpose:
The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing direct immigration legal services and representation to clients in both the New York and New Jersey offices. The staff attorney will conduct outreach to potential clients to expand CWS’ legal services program in New York and New Jersey and will be responsible for establishing and maintaining an immigration caseload under the supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney. The staff attorney will help recruit, train and manage volunteers who assist in immigration legal clinics.
Essential Duties:
Provide consultation and direct representation in immigration matters including, but not limited to, naturalization, family petitions, adjustment of status, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) and temporary protected status (TPS).
Manage and complete cases, from start to finish, for the immigration caseload including filing appropriate pleadings and motions and attending client interviews, as required and approved by the Senior Staff Attorney.
Maintain client files in good order, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in the CWS database.
Conduct outreach with local communities to increase CWS name recognition in New York City and New Jersey.
Screen and refer individuals to appropriate social service providers to meet their needs.
Hold offsite immigration legal clinics for potential clients providing legal advice and consultations in immigration matters. With the Senior Staff Attorney’s approval, the staff attorney will accept representation of individuals seen at the immigration clinics. Conduct presentations on immigration issues to the general public, potential clients and supporters.
Research changes in immigration laws and procedures.
Support the development and expansion of immigration legal services in both the New York and Jersey City offices.
In consultation with the Associate Director for External Relations, develop and distribute appropriate outreach material to support the immigration legal service programs in both the New York and Jersey City offices.
Conduct outreach and “know your rights” presentations at local community based organizations, congregations and other public forums.
Develop and maintain relationships with local immigrant communities, public libraries, schools, community-based organizations, faith communities and elected officials.
Assist in conducting and pursuing prospective funding and grant opportunities for immigration related programs.
Coordinate work with other program areas of CWS.
Represent CWS/IRP in meetings with stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:
J.D. from accredited law school in the United States.
Experience:
Entry level experience and knowledge of immigration law required (experience from law school immigration clinic or immigration legal internship will suffice to meet this requirement); recent law school graduates encouraged to apply. Spanish speaking and writing fluency required. Knowledge of the U.S. Refugee Program preferred, but not required. Experience and commitment to working directly with the recipients of immigration services. Ability to work in a multicultural environment required. Must be licensed to practice law in the United States. Occasional availability to work weekends and after-hours.
Other Skills:
Strong organizational, diplomatic and priority-setting skills are needed. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work as part of a team. Experience in working under pressure. Ability to travel as necessary in the tri-state area.