Description:
Purpose:This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Legal Services Department including supervision of program staff and case review. The incumbent also provides legal representation on a variety of humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA with special focus on refugees, asylum seekers, and parolees.
Responsibilities:
- Supervises legal work and staff/interns of the Immigrant and Refugee Program Legal Services team. Assigns and reviews cases.
- Supervises the provision of core services including legal screenings and Know Your Rights.
- Assists in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing reports, and writing grant renewals.
- Provides in-house training to staff across legal programs.
- Develops and coordinates pro bono attorney project for the Legal Services program.
- Ensures adequate representation for legal caseload at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews; Asylum Hearings; Master Calendar Hearings; Motions to change venue, re-calendar, terminate and suppress; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- Negotiates with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients.
- Conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications. Drafts supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepares and files immigration applications and motions; prepares other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Properly manages client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
- Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants and asylum seekers.
- Provides legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of A Faith-Based Organization.
- Informs of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
- Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
- Undertakes other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- JD degree required.
- NC license in good standing.
- Minimum of seven (7) years' of previous work experience providing legal services for refugees, asylees, and/or other immigrants.
- At least two (2) years' of work experience in a supervisory position.
Other Skills: Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a fast-paced work environment. Membership in the NC Bar. Driver's license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for frequent, reimbursable local travel.