Detention Hotline Coordinator, Detained Adult Program

Who We Are

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is now Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (“Amica Center” for short). Click here to learn more about our new name. Since our founding in 1999, we have grown significantly and added new services to support immigrants in detention. Recently, Amica Center has outgrown our name, expanding beyond our initial services and geographic boundaries.

“Amica” is the Latin word for “friend,” and that echoes the way we approach what we do. Just as friends stand with one another, Amica Center stands with our clients to achieve the safety, stability, and opportunity we all deserve.

We are the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond.

Our Work Environment

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. DAP provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures.

Amica Center’s Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees.

DAP staff are a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies.

Amica Center operates a free hotline that connects adults in immigration detention across the country with our staff, attorneys, and other legal resources, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. The Detention Hotline receives calls from individuals represented by Amica Center, pro se (unrepresented) individuals seeking legal education, as well as non-detained individuals calling on behalf of loved ones who are detained. The hotline is often our first contact with individuals in need of support and can be poised to rapidly respond to referrals to support individuals detained by ICE.

Position Summary

The Detention Hotline Coordinator for the Detained Adult Program (DAP) will lead efforts to ensure the effective delivery of legal services through Amica Center’s free detention hotline and through participation in in-person Know Your Rights visits to government detention facilities throughout Virginia. The Detention Hotline Coordinator will oversee hotline operations to ensure callers—whether detained represented individuals, pro se (un-represented) respondents, or non-detained people seeking information—receive accurate, trauma-informed legal education and assistance. They will maintain up-to-date training materials, troubleshoot emergent legal issues, and collaborate across teams to strengthen hotline management, workflows, and rapid response systems. In addition, the Detention Hotline Coordinator will play a key role in expanding access to legal information inside detention centers by delivering in person Know Your Rights presentations, adapting materials to reflect changes in immigration law, and liaising with external partners to enhance the provision of legal services.

The Detention Hotline Coordinator will lead in the development, implementation and troubleshooting of systems to enhance the legal information and assistance Amica Center provides to adults who enter ICE custody with pre-existing removal orders, whether the individual is detained locally in long-term detention facilities, in a short-term holding facility, or transferred elsewhere in the country. This is a highly collaborative position, playing a key role within the Know Your Rights (KYR) Team, and closely collaborating with the Volunteer Program, the Direct Representation Intaking Team, and fellow DAP managers.

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]

Management of Detention Hotline and Rapid Response (~60%)

• Manage operational aspects of the hotline, including staffing schedules, technology troubleshooting, and administrative tasks that keep the hotline running smoothly.
• Manage the provision of legal services over the hotline. This includes direct supervision of volunteers, undergraduate interns, and paralegals who provide legal education and resources to callers.
• Provide substantive legal training to volunteers, undergraduate interns, legal interns, and paralegals who staff the hotline.
• Answer legal questions and provide in-chat support to volunteers, interns, and staff who cover the detention hotline, as they answer calls from individuals who may have emergent legal situations. Troubleshoot these types of requests clearly and empathetically.
• Ensure hotline training materials remain up to date with legal changes and any changes to the Know Your Right team’s processes.
• Coordinate across teams to ensure all hotline-related systems are effective and useable by staff, volunteers and interns.
• Provide emergency coverage of the hotline as needed.

Rapid Response Services

• Work across teams and with external partners where appropriate to implement systems for detained individuals with prior removal orders to receive faster access to legal information, screening and representation, including assistance in filing Motions to Reopen.
• Directly assist detained people with pre-existing removal orders (or their non-detained points of contact when the detained person cannot be reached) to understand their legal options and processes and to prepare emergency motions and requests. Train and supervise others to do the same.
• Work with attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives to ensure final legal review and entries of appearance on Motions to Reopen and other legal requests.

Detention Facility Services (~35%)

• Conducts detention facility visits in Virginia (normally 1 overnight visit per quarter) for the provision of Know Your Rights presentations and group workshops.
• Participates in the development of resources for detention facility visits, including updating and creating legal materials, pro se guides, and training for staff and volunteers. Ensures in-person KYR and hotline supporting teams collaboratively share and update legal resources and trainings to maximize efficiency in the provision of legal services. Stays abreast of key legal updates to incorporate into hotline and KYR work.
• Identify and track trends and emerging issues faced by the people we work with in detention affecting their immigration cases. Coordinate with others in the organization to help detained people respond to and access better information on issues. Make appropriate referrals and provide necessary insight to in-house and external teams working on responding to the emergent issues identified.

Organizational Services (5%)

• Conducts training and supervises other staff and volunteers on administrative tasks, including database maintenance.
• Undertake own administrative functions, including for case and follow up work (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings) and ensuring the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion.
• Assists program leadership in planning and implementation of program goals.
• Assists other program staff in high-work/low-bandwidth periods.
• Actively engage in Amica Center’s training and advocacy efforts, as needed.
• Participates in stakeholder relationship activities, including in-person and telephonic meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers.
• Coordinate with all internal Amica Center Programs (e.g., Impact Lab, DAP Direct Representation teams) to ensure all programs are kept abreast of detention developments, clients, and referrals.

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks.

Additional Role-Specific Details:

Position Type

Full-time, exempt

Reports To

Managing Attorney, Know Your Rights Team

Supervisory Responsibility

Volunteers, Undergraduate Interns, and Paralegals

Hiring Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Salary [2]

$61,500 - $80,750

[2] In 2018 Amica Center implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary.

Location and/or Travel Requirements

This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.

Telework

Amica Center operates a hybrid work environment where staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. COVID-19 Vaccination:

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters.

Benefits

• Amica Center’s benefits package includes:
• Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office)
• Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV
• Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (Amica Center pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information)
• Life Insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long- and short-term disability
• The option to set up a Flexible Spending Account
• High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a one-time employer contribution of $350 to the Health Savings Account (HSA)
• The option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profit organizations) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment

Paid time off includes:

• 23 Personal Days per calendar year
• Up to 20 days of Sick Time per calendar year
• 7 hours of Volunteer Time Off per calendar year
• Federal holidays
• Paid winter break closure
• 12 weeks of parental leave

Competencies Required

Legal Proficiency

The Hotline Coordinator demonstrates a firm understanding of relief eligibility to allow for meaningful contribution to hotline intakes and client-facing legal activities and thought leadership in discussions during intakes, follow-up and casework with moderate to limited supervision. They also have the ability to convey legal concepts to those with limited legal experience (i.e. volunteers, undergraduate interns, and legal interns). The employee clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations with limited supervision and input from supervisors. The employee demonstrates a mastery of understanding legal information versus advice and educates others on this distinction and is familiar with preparing client filings and can support junior paralegals, interns, and volunteers on doing so with limited attorney input.

Client and Programmatic Proficiency

The Hotline Coordinator skillfully and clearly presents legal and procedural concepts to detained individuals with limited supervision. The employee demonstrates trauma-informed interviewing and rapport building skills. They satisfactorily handle all required in-jail and in-office programmatic obligations (management of Detention Hotline, KYR, and rapid response) with minimal supervision. The employee manages their workload to allow for proper prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The employee contributes to the supervision and professional development of volunteers, interns, and junior staff.

Administrative

The employee ensures that all administrative aspects of their position, attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.

Qualifications Required:

• At least 3 years of strong experience or legal training in immigration law.
• At least 1 year of supervision experience.
• Strong ability to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Oral and written Spanish professional proficiency required, fluency preferred.
• It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Candidates will be required to apply to become a DOJ Accredited Representative (see: Executive Office for Immigration Review | Recognition & Accreditation (R&A) Program) after hire. If the detention hotline coordinator's application for DOJ accreditation is approved, they will transition into a Detention Hotline Coordinator– Legal job description and receive a 2-step increase in salary. In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined above, the detention hotline coordinator– DOJ accredited representative will provide brief legal advice, make limited entries of appearance on matters such as Motions to Reopen, and serve as a backup lead attorney/representative on in-person KYR detention facility visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising volunteers preferred.
• Experience managing data systems and processes preferred
• Experience with Excel and data manipulation preferred.

At Amica Center, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. Amica Center values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about Amica Center's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@amicacenter.org.

EEO Statement

Amica Center for Immigrants’ Rights is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, this policy's purpose is to effectuate these principles and mandates. Amica Center prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amica Center conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Our Anti-Racism Statement:

https://amicacenter.org/becoming-anti-racist/

How to Apply:

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. Please refrain from sending application materials separately via email.

Competencies Required

Legal Proficiency

The Hotline Coordinator demonstrates a firm understanding of relief eligibility to allow for meaningful contribution to hotline intakes and client-facing legal activities and thought leadership in discussions during intakes, follow-up and casework with moderate to limited supervision. They also have the ability to convey legal concepts to those with limited legal experience (i.e. volunteers, undergraduate interns, and legal interns). The employee clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations with limited supervision and input from supervisors. The employee demonstrates a mastery of understanding legal information versus advice and educates others on this distinction and is familiar with preparing client filings and can support junior paralegals, interns, and volunteers on doing so with limited attorney input.

Client and Programmatic Proficiency

The Hotline Coordinator skillfully and clearly presents legal and procedural concepts to detained individuals with limited supervision. The employee demonstrates trauma-informed interviewing and rapport building skills. They satisfactorily handle all required in-jail and in-office programmatic obligations (management of Detention Hotline, KYR, and rapid response) with minimal supervision. The employee manages their workload to allow for proper prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The employee contributes to the supervision and professional development of volunteers, interns, and junior staff.

Administrative

The employee ensures that all administrative aspects of their position, attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.

Qualifications Required:

• At least 3 years of strong experience or legal training in immigration law.
• At least 1 year of supervision experience.
• Strong ability to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Oral and written Spanish professional proficiency required, fluency preferred.
• It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Candidates will be required to apply to become a DOJ Accredited Representative (see: Executive Office for Immigration Review | Recognition & Accreditation (R&A) Program) after hire. If the detention hotline coordinator's application for DOJ accreditation is approved, they will transition into a Detention Hotline Coordinator– Legal job description and receive a 2-step increase in salary. In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined above, the detention hotline coordinator– DOJ accredited representative will provide brief legal advice, make limited entries of appearance on matters such as Motions to Reopen, and serve as a backup lead attorney/representative on in-person KYR detention facility visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising volunteers preferred.
• Experience managing data systems and processes preferred
• Experience with Excel and data manipulation preferred.

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