Description:

Position Overview:
A Client-Centered, Impact-Driven Organization is one of four refugee resettlement agencies in San Diego County, a Department of Justice Recognized organization, and a core partner of the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) - a group of 40+ immigrant rights and social service organizations, attorneys and community leaders who educate, protect and assist immigrant individuals and families – including refugees and asylum seekers – with legal support and social services. JFS has a large Immigration Legal Services Department (ILSD) where it not only coordinates the legal services for SDRRN, but also has a large team of lawyers, DOJ accredited representatives, and support staff working on a wide range of services for low-income and vulnerable immigrants in San Diego and Imperial counties. This position will work within the ILSD team at JFS. The ILSD team specializes in removal defense, family-based petitions and applications, administrative relief, naturalization, and humanitarian relief. The ILSD team has experience and regularly practices immigration law before Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol (BP) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at the San Diego, Otay Mesa and Imperial Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The ILSD team also represents clients in relevant immigration matters before San Diego Superior Court on simple post-conviction relief and probate guardianship matters. The ILSD is also the legal service provider which coordinates the Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) program at 2 CA State Universities – San Diego State and CSU San Marcos, in addition to 9 community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties.

The Supervising Immigration Attorney will be responsible for overseeing the program and casework of the attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives of the Higher Education Legal Services program in addition to providing direct representation for clients in immigration cases before the USCIS and representation in probate court while helping to support the broader efforts of the ILSD. Representation in immigration court and supervision of attorneys and representatives on cases in immigration court may be required.

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Managing Attorney, the Supervising Immigration Attorney of the Higher Education Legal Services program will be responsible to:

Provide direct legal representation to JFS-ILSD clients in immigration cases, including representation before the various DHS agencies (USCIS, CBP, BP, and ICE), EOIR, and related federal and state courts, while helping to support the broader efforts of the JFS-ILSD team and maintain an excellent track record of providing immigration legal services
Supervision and review of the legal work of attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives and support staff who provide direct assistance and legal representation in defensive and affirmative cases, including appeals
Develop procedures and guidance in coordination with Managing Attorney and Department Directors to promote the JFS-ILSD mission and protect Higher Education Legal Services potential clients and clients from legal malpractice
Design, oversee and provide accurate legal orientation, presentations and education regarding a range of immigration and rights issues and other legal problems faced by members of the low-income immigrant communities in San Diego County
Maintain professional and working relationships with the various schools working on issues related to students, faculty, staff, and family members who have access to the Higher Education Legal Services program
Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies and ensure all those working on the Higher Education Legal Services program are briefed and operating under the most current up-to-date immigration laws and policies
Ensure correct legal analysis and implementation of legal strategies of all complex questions of law related to representation, ineligibility for relief, and the declining of services
Comply with JFS-ILSD and agency wide policies and procedures, data and case management policies and procedures, and program reporting requirements and ensure all those working on the Higher Education Legal Services program are up-to-date and following internal policies and procedures
Participate in program audits (internal and by funders), grant reporting of program and contribute to timely and accurate completion of grant funding applications
Create and maintain a positive teamwork atmosphere within the team and externally

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:

The Supervising Attorney for the Higher Education Legal Services program must be passionate about providing culturally competent, trauma-informed, expert legal options and if necessary, defense, of human rights to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County and generally in the San Diego border region
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law
Licensed to practice law in California
Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills, attention to detail and professional attitude
Excellent supervisory interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills and professional attitude
Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
Demonstrated ability and willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
Passion for social justice for immigrants
Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants
Valid driver's license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive off-site as required

Skills/Abilities We'd Like You to Have: