Description:
Purpose: To manage SOAR's affirmative legal services program, and provide supervision, training and technical support for attorneys and accredited representatives engaged in representation before USCIS.Accountability: To the mission and goals of A Non-Profit Organization as determined by the Board of Directors, and as administered by the President and their delegates.
Reports To: Director of Immigration Legal Services
Direct Reports: None.
Location: EMO's SOAR Immigration Legal Services Portland or Hillsboro program site.
Classification: Exempt, full time.
Benefits: Salary starts at $82,049 annually. Salary starts at $86,209 for candidates with Spanish language fluency. Starting salary increases with each year of immigration practice experience. All regular employees (does not include on-call or temporary) are eligible for vacation, holidays, sick leave, 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance program and employee trainings. Employees in exempt positions or non-exempt positions that are 20 hours per week or more, also receive medical insurance, dental insurance, disability insurance and life insurance, per eligibility requirements.
Major Responsibilities:
- Provide legal supervision for Affirmative Program Attorney(s) and DOJ Accredited Representatives and provide strategic guidance and support in developing case strategies for cases before USCIS.
- Meet with DOJ Accredited Representatives and/or attorneys engaged in representing clients before USCIS weekly for case rounds and to review casework.
- Provide direct legal representation to low income clients with USCIS administrative applications and in immigration court on a broad range of immigration cases including: family based petitions, asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, consular processing, deferred action for childhood arrivals, U visas, and other immigration remedies.
- Provide ongoing legal training for Attorney(s) and Accredited Representative(s) on Affirmative Immigration Topics.
- Create a digital library or resource hub with trainings, screening tools, practice advisories, and legal tools for attorneys and accredited representatives providing USCIS representation.
- Hold community presentations on immigration topics.
- Submit monthly reports on services rendered.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Ability to work within the mission, vision and ethics of EMO, and maintain an understanding of the services provided by the programs and projects of EMO.
Knowledge: Must be a lawyer in good standing with the Bar of any state, and meet the requirements of ORS 9.280 and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct; Must have at least five years of experience practicing immigration law (gained as either an attorney or accredited representative); Proven proficiency using software programs for data and word processing; Must possess valid driver's license and evidence of insurability.
skills: Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen to and affirm people from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances; especially to treat all individuals with respect and dignity; Excellent time management and attention to deadlines;
Effort: Proven organizational skills and ability to maintain calm, professional manner.
Responsibility: Ability to be self-directed and work as a member of a team; Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with confidentiality, diplomacy, and professionalism.
Working Conditions: Ability to work in a respectful manner with people of diverse ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, religion, culture and sexual orientation; High tolerance for ambiguity and change.
Desired Qualifications:
- Fluent in Spanish and English.
- At least two years of supervisory experience.