Supervising Staff Attorney, Unaccompanied Children’s Program

International Institute of New England; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Institute of New England (IINE) seeks a motivated Supervising Attorney for the Unaccompanied Children’s Program in Massachusetts, with hybrid work options. The role focuses on providing direct immigration legal services to UAC in ORR care, including Know Your Rights presentations, screenings, consultations, and robust court representation before EOIR and USCIS.

Qualified candidates will have a J.D./LL.M.

Qualifications

• J.D. or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current US bar membership in good standing (Massachusetts/Connecticut preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of removal defense experience representing unaccompanied alien children.
• Experience working with children/youth and marginalized populations.
• Experience supervising attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Staff Attorney and Legal Assistant.
• Oversee caseloads in the assigned region and mentor staff.
• Oversee and conduct legal orientations for UAC in shelters.
• Conduct legal consultations with UAC and assess options.
• Provide direct EOIR/USCIS representation for UAC in ORR care.
• Oversee data collection and reporting of service delivery metrics.
• Assign projects and ensure training and efficiency of team.
• Maintain client case notes in immigration database.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

Immigration policy

Organization & PM

Staff supervision

Professionalism & discretion

Communication

CRM experience

Team coordination

MS Office proficiency

Client advocacy

Education

J.D./LL.M. (ABA)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

E-Immigration

Salesforce

Job description

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Supervising Staff Attorney, Unaccompanied Children’s Program

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied alien children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

At IINE, our people are united by a shared belief in the dignity, resilience, and potential of every individual. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and every employee can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

A dynamic and forward-looking non-profit, IINE seeks mission-driven, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving refugees and immigrants.

Overview

The International Institute of New England (IINE) seeks a motivated and experienced Supervising Attorney to provide direct immigration legal services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) currently in the care of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The work includes providing Know Your Rights presentations, legal screenings, legal consultations, case preparation, and direct representation in immigration matters before Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Supervising Attorney will supervise a Staff Attorney and Legal Assist and ensure that high-quality, child-centered, trauma informed legal services are provided to UAC clients consistent with standards set by the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

• Department: Unaccompanied Children's Program
• Reports to: Chief Program Officer
• Status: Full-time; Exempt
• Job Location: MA
• Position Format: Hybrid
• Pay Rate: Starting at $107,845 per year

Responsibilities

Supervise Staff Attorney and Legal Assistant

Oversee the caseloads of Staff Attorneys in the assisted region.

Oversee legal assistants in the assigned region.

Mentor and guide Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants as needed.

Legal Orientation/Legal Consultations

Oversee and as needed conduct legal orientations, which are presentations concerning the rights and responsibilities of Unaccompanied Alien Children in the immigration system. These will occur in shelters where children are located.

Conduct legal consultations: meet with UAC and assess options related to their legal case.

Direct Representation

Provide direct legal representation to UAC who are currently in ORR care and who have not left the United States.

Representation will include but is not limited to:

• Immigration Court Representation: including Master Calendar Hearings, Individual Hearings, Motions (Motions to Continue, Motions to Terminate, Motions to Change Venue, etc.), Voluntary Departure
• SIJS
• Asylum, Affiantive and Defensive
• VAWA
• Adjustment of Status
• TPS
• EADs

Reporting and Data Collection

Oversee the collection and reporting of required service delivery data.

Support quality assurance reviews.

Respond to information requests from program leadership.

Ensure timely and accurate data entry.

Administrative:

Assign long and short-term projects as needed to any assigned support staff and ensure all team members are fully trained and working efficiently.

Maintain and update immigration database with detailed client case notes and changes to contact information.

Assist with internal IINE reporting as required.

All other duties assigned by supervisor/manager.

Skills/Abilities:

Bilingual candidates preferred, especially fluent speakers of Spanish.?

Knowledge of immigration policies and regulations.

Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills – demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to manage staff and contribute individually.

High degree of intellectual curiosity.

A strong sense of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.

Effective communicator; should be comfortable expressing innovative or critical ideas.

Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.

Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Experience with CRMs (E-Immigration and Salesforce) or other databases, or a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.

Professional and/or volunteer experience working directly with marginalized populations.

Education and Experience:

J.D. or LLM from an ABA accredited law school or international equivalent.

A current bar membership in good standing in the United States. We are looking for candidates with licenses in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Minimum of 5 years of removal defense experience representing Unaccompanied Alien Children.

Prior experience working with children and/or youth.

Minimum of two years of supervision experience, supervising Attorneys and/or staff.

Excellent legal research, writing, and editing skills.

Work Environment Conditions:

Frequent interruptions from employees and clients- must have ability to multi-task.

Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment.

Frequent trips to mail room and/or Post Office required.

Must have access to a car and auto insurance. Position requires travel to different locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Physical Demands:

Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time.

Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of 50 pounds.

Occasional driving to IINE’s three offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester.

Background Clearance and Suitability Requirements:

This is a federally funded program. Successful candidates will need to undergo background checks mandated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.