Staff Attorney Position- Catholic Social Service, VAWA and Asylum Program

POSITION Staff Attorney (Active Member of the Bar)
Program Coordinator (Accredited Representative)
AGENCY Catholic Social Service - VAWA and Asylum Program
STATUS Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for providing legal representation for immigrant victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties, who are seeking immigration relief through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Immigration Court, or the Board of Immigration Appeals. Responsible for managing, coordinating and supervising the work of legal staff, interns, and volunteer attorneys. May perform other duties as assigned.


EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Represent immigrant victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties in seeking immigration relief through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration Court, and Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Prepare all legal documents for USCIS, including, but not limited to VAWA self-petitions and U Visa petitions and appeals for immigrant victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Prepare and submit or coordinate with CSS’ administrative staff and/or the program’s Advisory Board regarding the preparation and submission of grant applications, proposals, progress and other applications/reports necessary to maintain and/or expand the VAWA and U Visa program
• Prepare and submit regular quarterly Legal Assistance for Victims grant reports to the Department of Justice
• Ensure compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims grant
• Supervise staff including, but not limited to, the paralegals, volunteer attorneys, and legal interns
• Identify and pursue training needs for legal staff
• Coordinate and manage caseload of all VAWA and U Visa clients in Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties.
• Identify and pursue training needs for staff, and remain current on all immigration law matters relating to caseload
• Maintain collaborative relationships with Southern Arizona Legal Aid (“SALA”)
• Maintain collaborative relationships with Southern Arizona Battered Immigrant Women Project (“BIWP”) partners and others as appropriate, in Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties
• Develop and oversee all office procedures relating to the management of legal cases
• Evaluate claims of potential applicants for asylum and assist in referral of such cases to pro bono lawyers
• Maintain professional contacts in local and national immigration community

The above statement reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold an active membership in any state or federal bar or standing as a Board of Immigration Appeals Accredited Representative
• Strong organizational, oral, and written skills
• Strong skills in legal research, analysis, and writing
• Ability to interact professionally and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel
• Professional demeanor
• Proficiency in MS-Excel, MS-Word, Immigration Pro, and Lexis Nexis.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) both written and verbal
• One year supervisory experience
• One year experience in immigration law
• Fingerprint Clearance
• Maintain valid AZ Driver license and insurance

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Additional years of VAWA and U Visa immigration law experience

To Apply: Visit CSO Simplicity Site, Job ID 7111