Co-Director of Immigration Programs

MERCY CENTER INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Job summary

Mercy Center invites applications for the Co-Director of Immigration Programs to oversee daily operations of immigration services and provide direct legal support to newly arrived migrants and immigrant communities. The role focuses on access to relief and work authorization, while supervising staff and ensuring program compliance.

The Co-Director will manage case tracking, collaborate across departments, and strengthen partnerships with external service providers.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Admitted and in good standing to New York State Bar.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant immigration legal experience including significant work with asylum and removal defense, humanitarian immigration applications (SIJS, VAWA, U and T visas), naturalization, adjustment of status, and TPS.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage daily operations of Immigration programs.
• Supervise the Paralegal and Program Assistant, including performance management and professional development.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure holistic, high-quality services for participants.
• Screen and assess participants for eligibility for immigration benefits.
• Develop and implement individualized legal action plans, prioritizing pathways to work authorization.
• Provide direct assistance with immigration applications, including asylum, TPS, SIJS, T and U visas, adjustments of status, VAWA, and employment authorization applications.
• Handle additional legal processes such as changes of venue/address, motions to reopen, FOIA requests; representation at ICE check-ins, interviews, and court appearances.
• Review applications prepared by staff prior to submission; respond to RFEs and ensure documentation.

Skills

Strong communication

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission NY

Tools

MS Office

Database systems

Job description

The Co-Director of Immigration Programs is jointly responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Mercy Center's immigration services. This role provides direct legal support to newly arrived migrants and other immigrant communities, with a focus on access to immigration relief and work authorization. The Co-Director also supervises staff, ensures program compliance, and leads partnerships and reporting efforts.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Operations

• Co-manage daily operations of Immigration programs in collaboration with the other Co-Director
• Supervise the Paralegal and Program Assistant, including performance management and professional development
• Collaborate across departments to ensure holistic, high-quality services for participants

Legal Services & Case Management

• Screen and assess participants for eligibility for immigration benefits
• Develop and implement individualized legal action plans, prioritizing pathways to work authorization
• Provide direct assistance with immigration applications, including:
  • Asylum, TPS, SIJS (including family court petitions), T and U Visas
  • Adjustment of status, VAWA, deferred action for labor investigations
  • Employment authorization applications
• Handle additional legal processes such as:
  • Change of venue/address, motions to reopen, FOIA requests
  • Representation at ICE check-ins, interviews, and court appearances
• Review applications prepared by staff prior to submission
• Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and ensure accurate documentation

Case Tracking & Compliance

• Maintain organized case files and manage caseload through database systems
• Input and track case data and outcomes accurately
• Serve as primary liaison with funder (Hispanic Federation - Welcoming New York)
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and reporting deliverables

Outreach, Training & Partnerships

• Facilitate workshops for newly arrived migrants and immigrant communities
• Build and maintain relationships with external immigration service providers
• Conduct legal research and monitor changes in immigration law
• Make referrals to external providers when necessary

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

• Compile, analyze, and report program data
• Support funder site visits and audits

Additional Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) required
• Admitted and in good standing to New York State Bar
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant immigration legal experience including significant work with asylum and removal defense, as well humanitarian immigration applications (SIJS, VAWA, U and T visas), naturalization, adjustment of status, and temporary protected status (TPS)
• Experience through hearings before Immigration Court strongly preferred.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English or French/English required

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work with diverse and vulnerable populations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office and database systems
• Demonstrated understanding of challenges facing immigrant communities and communities of color

Work Environment

• Work onsite, standard office setting
• Occasional travel between program locations

Compensation:

• Salary range is $100- $130K depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance with generous paid vacation, sick and personal days.