Us - Assoc. Director (Immigration Legal Svcs)

Position Title: Associate Director for Immigration Legal Services
Reports To: Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
Division: Immigration &Refugee Program+ (IRP+)
Department: Durham IRP
Job Location: Durham, NC
Salary: $75,225 - $90,000.00
Grade Level: 9
FLSA & Union Status:Exempt, Non-bargaining
Introduction: Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.
Primary Purpose: Oversees the ongoing provision of legal immigration services in the Durham Immigration and Refugee Program. Responsibilities include oversight of legal services staff and legal services programs, creation of policies and procedures, intake documents, case management guidelines, and developing a comprehensive resource development plan in collaboration with the Office Director and Associate Director for Development. Additionally, this person will provide direct Immigration Legal services to refugee and asylee clients including eligibility screenings, application completion, advocacy and follow up as necessary. S/he will recruit and supervise interns, volunteers, and additional staff as necessary to support program growth and coordinate with local universities and law schools to support a robust staffing pipeline for the Durham Immigration Legal Services Program.
Essential Duties: Direct Service

• Conduct eligibility screenings for refugee and asylee applicants for immigration benefits.
• Conduct intake interviews with clients in order to complete applications for benefits. Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including Application for Permanent Resident (I-485), Refugee Petition for Alien Relative (I-730), and Application for Naturalization (N-400).
• Compile application packets in an accurate fashion by completing required accompanying documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, photographs, translations, etc.
• 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.

Essential Duties: Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Immigration Legal Services staff, volunteers and interns in accordance with CWS personnel policies and guidance from CWS Human Resources in order to support the Durham Immigration Service Programs.
• Oversees the provision of core services by legal staff including legal screenings, Know Your Rights, and court preparation for children referred by ORR/Vera Institute.
• Develops all policies, procedures, and documentation necessary for the successful operation of a Immigration Legal Service Program.
• Oversees and coordinates ongoing training of Immigration Program staff in accordance with contract, DOJ and NC Bar requirements. Ensures robust staffing pipeline for DOJ-accredited positions through ongoing training efforts.

Essential Duties: Program Management

• Develops and maintains accurate case list and manages case files.
• Provides financial oversight for immigration services program (i.e. budget oversight, regular financial reporting, etc).
• Assists the Office Director in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing funder-required reports, and writing grant renewals.
• Work with Office Director to develop strategic plan for Durham Immigration Legal Services Program; identify and pursue resource development opportunities under the oversight of the Office Director with support from the Associate Director for Development.
• Identifies potential barriers to accessing immigration benefits and provide support and advocacy to overcome such barriers.
• Coordinates the provision of information and outreach to the refugee community regarding immigration benefits.
• Stays abreast of developments in immigration laws and changes in procedures. Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants and asylum seekers.

Other Essential Duties

• Attend legal immigration trainings as necessary to maintain professional credentials.
• Properly manages client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
• 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: Partial/Full Accreditation with the Department of Justice required, J.D. strongly preferred
Education

• Bachelor’s degree (if Partially/Fully Accredited by Department of Justice) or J.D. (if not already Accredited by Department of Justice). JD is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum five years’ previous work experience providing legal services for, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants
• At least two years’ work experience in a program management position.

Skills:

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Education & Certifications: Partial/Full Accreditation with the Department of Justice required, J.D. strongly preferred
Special Requirements:

• COVID Vaccine required, including boosters as eligible
• This is an in-person position in Durham, NC with hybrid arrangements possible
• Strong technology skills are required
• Must have a clean driving record with reliable personal vehicle
• A detailed background check is required
• Occasional night and weekend work required

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (27 paid days off plus 14 Holidays)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits