Removal Defense Immigration Staff Attorney

• After determining that a client is entitled to any given immigration benefit, prepares applications or petitions with supporting evidence and represents clients before USCIS and EOIR.
• Provide support as needed to other attorneys, accredited representatives, legal assistants, and volunteers on substantive legal matters and Participate in the development of case selection criteria.
• Provides legal representation to low-income migrant children in guardianship, parentage, and custody proceedings in California Superior Courts, as well as SIJS and asylum applications before the San Francisco Immigration Court, or before USCIS.
• Works closely with partner community-based organizations and in-house social services to ensure that clients receive holistic service addressing their many needs beyond legal representation.
• Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under all applicable law. Maintains proper case management notes in the case management platform.

• Participates in community events performing different tasks including but not limited to: consultation, supervision, and final case review.
• Uses cultural sensitivity and awareness to develop appropriate and effective strategies to address the needs and advance the rights of vulnerable communities.
• As opportunities arise, prepares and gives presentations on immigration legal benefits and facilitates workshops both at the Program’s permanent site, at the parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco and in other community event organized by our Agency, Latin-American consulates and other organizations.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Law degree; admitted and in good standing with the California State Bar required.
• 1–3 year of experience providing direct legal immigration services and working knowledge of immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• SIJS related work experience and experience with complex immigation cases strongly preferred.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• Capacity to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to discuss sensitive and traumatic topics with youth and other vulnerable populations.
• Computer proficiency (Immigration Software preferred, Word, PowerPoint, E-mail, Internet)
• Excellent listening, communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise legal support staff.
• Demonstrated planning, presentation and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and high energy.
• Ability to market our programs, make sound judgments and maintain perspective.
• Collaborative and able to develop, support and maintain positive relationships.

• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

• Serves on monthly committee for Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) committee.
• Serves on Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting.

• Intermittent bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Intermittent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Intermittent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.

• Driving is required for this position.

• Will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.

• Noise level in the 36 37th Avenue SM or 2873 Mission Street SF offices is usually minimal; however, the Immigration Program is a work environment that consists of an 8:30am-5:00pm office environment, with weekly workshops, scheduled client appointments in person and over the phone consultations, information and referral, and intake.

Catholic Charities of San Francisco