Staff Attorney, Immigrant Children's Program at Church World Service, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

About CWS



Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.



Inclusion of a cover letter and a current resume are required.




Purpose



To provide legal representation to detained and released Unaccompanied Children, including a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, Immigration Courts, the BIA, and Pennsylvania state tribunals (in conjunction with applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status).



Responsibilities

• Represent individuals (primarily Unaccompanied Children) before USCIS and EOIR in their applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, adjustment of status, family petitions, VAWA, U and T visas, and any other available relief.


• Represent individuals before Pennsylvania state tribunals in pursuit of predicate orders necessary to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; when appropriate, prepare cases for referral to pro bono attorneys for representation in pursuing predicate orders.


• Respond to Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny issued by USCIS, and represent clients in Motions to Reconsider, Motions to Reopen, or Appeals before USCIS or the Administrative Appeals Office as appropriate.


• Represent individuals (primarily Unaccompanied Children) in appeals and related motions before the BIA.


• In conjunction with support staff, request and review necessary records such as Freedom of Information Act requests, police and court records, and ORR files.


• Conduct legal screenings with clients and potential clients, including Unaccompanied Children in ORR custody; identify and advise clients and potential clients of legal options.


• Conduct thorough legal research to support casework and attend regular legal trainings to provide zealous representation to clients; when needed and appropriate, provide legal training and assistance to other staff members and community members.


• Negotiate, communicate, and attend meetings with outside agencies relevant to legal representation, including but not limited to USCIS, EOIR, ICE, and ORR.


• Serve as Friend of Court before EOIR or provide advocacy before ORR for children in ORR custody, as needed. Advocacy before ORR includes, but is not limited to, contesting transfers, requesting review of sponsor denials, and ensuring proper care is given to children in need of accommodation.


• When needed, assist the Know Your Rights team in serving Unaccompanied Children in ORR custody, including, but not limited to: conducting legal screenings, providing Know Your Rights presentations, and preparing children for court appearance or USCIS interviews.


• Properly manage client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.


• Comply with all licensing requirements to remain in good standing with the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and / or any other relevant state bars.


• Represent CWS and the Immigrant Children's Program at meetings and speaking engagements.

• Provide legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of CWS/Lancaster legal and immigration services.


• Assist the program and office leadership in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.


• Keep supervisor informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.


• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Qualifications




Education and Experience: The applicant must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction or be registered to sit for the July 2024 bar exam (Pennsylvania Bar preferred, and new hires licensed out of state will be required to complete steps for admission into the PA Bar). Minimum 6 years of experience with immigration representation and other areas of Immigration law, including asylum representation and working with vulnerable populations and children, desired.



Other Skills: Spanish language skills strongly desired but not required. Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.


The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications.


Driver's license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for frequent, reimbursable local travel.



Special Requirements




Inclusion of a cover letter and a current resume are required.




Benefits



CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits Apply Now