Staff Attorney

Catholic-Charities-of-Central-Florida,-Inc.-1; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney to manage a significant immigration caseload and support clients in securing relief under the INA.

The role involves consultations, case preparation and representation before DHS, USCIS, ICE, and EOIR, including BIA and immigration courts. The attorney will collaborate with supervising attorneys, assist with program implementation, outreach, and trainings, and ensure confidentiality and ethical standards while serving

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required and active State Bar admission; knowledge of immigration law preferred.
• Fluent or proficient in English and Spanish and/or Haitian Creole.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and immigration forms software; data entry skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultations for agency clients and immigration staff.
• Prepare and supervise all types of immigration cases.
• Represent clients before DHS, USCIS, ICE, and EOIR (including BIA and Immigration Courts).
• Coordinate with multiple agencies and funders; attend required meetings.
• Engage in outreach and education on immigrant rights; host community clinics.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Bilingual English/Haitian Creole

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal skills

Self-motivation

Education

J.D. degree

Bar admission (State Bar)

Immigration law knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Immigration forms software

Job description

Description

The Staff Attorney is responsible for developing and maintaining significant caseloads, assisting existing office clients with their immigration cases, and assisting supervising attorneys with administrative issues such as the implementation of specific programs depending on available funding. Responsible for assistance and legal representation of clients of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, and Immigration Legal Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

General functions:

• Provide consultations for agency clients and immigration staff.
• Prepare and/or supervise all types of immigration cases.
• Representation of clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security(“DHS”), United States Customs and Immigration Services(“USCIS”), Immigration and Customs Enforcement(“ICE”), and the Executive Office of Immigration Review(“EOIR”). EOIR encompasses the Board of Immigration Appeals(“BIA”) and Immigration Courts.
• Participate in all required staff or agency meetings.
• Participate in all phases of COA (Council on Accreditation), or other similar agencies, requirements.
• Counseling of clients and preparation of cases for representation before DHS, ICE, and EOIR on a wide spectrum of available forms of relief such as Adjustment of Status, Waivers, Asylum, VAWA, Naturalization, Cancellation of Removal, Stay of Removal, and any other forms of relief available under the Immigration and Nationality Act(“INA”).
• Adequately controlling and managing an extensive caseload. Maintaining files in accordance with established office policy, and following Comprehensive Refugee Services, or other program(s), contract requirements.
• Assisting support staff with their caseloads.
• Coordination with other organizations and the DHS personnel involved in the adjudication of clients’ cases: attendance of meetings in the representation of programs, clients, policies, and office interests in accordance with the advocacy expectations of funders and clients.
• Utilizing office computer programs such as Cerenade, Sharepoint, and Web-Rs while updating the list of all clients and their biographical data in physical files and databases.
• Engage in outreach and education in the area of immigrant rights.
• Create, plan, coordinate, and/or host community meetings (for example, asylum clinics or other clinics as identified).

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide consultations for agency clients and immigration staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with culturally and economically diverse populations.
• Adhere to strict confidentiality of all client information, for instance following all HIPAA guidelines as the Agency requires.
• Have the ability to provide clients with non-judgmental support.
• Be willing to accept and work within the agency's philosophy.
• Be willing to follow agency policies and procedures.
• Manifest professional and personal ethics.
• Have ability to self-motivate and ability to maintain focus and flexibility with regard to fast changes in task assignments, as well as multiple task assignments.
• Have the willingness to be trained in using software packages that are specific to the position and/or required by the, applicable, funding agency.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, while monitoring own work to ensure quality.
• Be capable of doing presentations to groups as well as on a one-on-one basis.
• Have a commitment to Catholic values and support the tenants of Catholic Social teaching.
• Have the ability to set and maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
• Have experience using online Legal Case Management Software.
• Be able to successfully handle problems and challenges while exercising tact and courtesy.
• Have experience performing internet research.
• Be able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Maintain attention to detail and adherence to directions.
• Display strong internal and external relationship-building and service skills.
• Refrain from maintaining/seeking legal work outside of Catholic Charities of Central Florida.
• Be able to travel within the nine counties served by Catholic Charities of Central Florida.
• If using a CCCF agency vehicle, maintain a proper auto log and report any incidents, accidents, needed repairs, maintenance, etc. to the Supervisor immediately.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Completion of recognized Jurisprudence Degree (J.D.), Membership in a State Bar Association with knowledge of Immigration law.
• Must be able to communicate well, written and orally, in both English and Spanish and/or Haitian Creole.
• Must be experienced in Microsoft Office.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Two years’ experience in a law firm or non-profit is preferred.
• Experience working with a vulnerable population, including children.
• Proficiency in using immigration forms software, typing and data entry required.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the Diocese.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Extremely detail-oriented;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Quick learner;
• Inquisitive, eager to learn, self–starter;
• Exhibits passion, optimism, enthusiasm, proactive/responsiveness, and imagination;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Strong sense of ownership & urgency;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Able to manage multiple tasks;
• Able to complete work independently while functioning in a team setting;
• Able to manage and meet multiple reporting deadlines;
• Able to communicate effectively with Supervisor, Program Director, and other staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour say. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in condition of stress and function well under pressure.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.