Staff Attorney, Removal Defense (Detained)

YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the Y of Greater Houston that seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive programs that focus on building human assets and fostering self-sufficiency. The YMCA International Services seeks one Spanish-speaking attorney to provide direct representation to non-citizens seeking relief from removal before the EOIR detained immigration court(s).

REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. from ABA certified law school or international equivalent.
• Active state bar membership in good standing.
• Candidate must be fluent in Spanish and English.
• Experience in immigration law is preferred, preference given to candidates with litigation experience.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
• Advanced legal research and writing skills.
• Strong communication skills, client-interviewing abilities, and an appreciation of multicultural experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time and resources.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others, to work under pressure and handle a large volume of consultations, clients, and data, and highly self-motivated.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
• Texas Driver’s License; clean driving record; own vehicle; applicable auto insurance. Candidate must be willing to commute to detention facilities and shelters (45 minutes to 1.5 hours away).
• Federal government clearance is required for this position.

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides the following:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Generous and flexible PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long term disability, basic life insurance, and other voluntary benefits
• 403 (B) retirement plan
• Complimentary city-wide YMCA membership
• Annual bar dues, CLEs and substantive trainings, AILA membership
• Student loan repayment assistance may be available

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws

• Conduct comprehensive legal screenings and needs assessments of potential clients and evaluate their legal case.
• Provide direct representation to adults detained with the Department of Homeland Security. Prepare and file relief applications with EOIR Immigration Court(s) and/or with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Representation may include appointment under the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) and work with individuals deemed mentally incompetent.
• Manage annual caseload of 30-40 cases, cases may include complex “immigration” issues.
• Maintain client files in good order, including regular data entry and funder required reports.
• Perform legal research and provide advice on legal rights and remedies available to clients.
• Participate in trainings, calls and meetings with funders and technical assistance providers to stay up-to-date with new legal and programmatic developments.
• Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and legal trainings.
• Collaborate with other agencies, stakeholders, and service providers to procure client services and network with like-minded organizations.
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees and food pantry distribution.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance, i.e. Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.