Director, Lucha Program (Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking)

The Agency:

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

The Lucha Program:

Founded in 1997, AI Justice’s Lucha Program provides free legal representation to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Lucha team confronts challenges faced by immigrant survivors through a combination of direct services and systemic advocacy. Lucha also plays a pivotal role in educating law enforcement and other government agencies at the local, state, and national levels about how to effectively support immigrant survivors of abuse and trafficking.

General Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the Lucha Program Director supervises 2 attorneys, 2 DOJ Accredited Representative, and 2 paralegals rendering legal services to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

The position also involves participating in local, state, and national community response and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of immigrant survivors.

Specific Duties: The Lucha Program Director shall:

1.          Determine case acceptance by reviewing intakes and interview notes, considering grant requirements, case acceptance priorities, and attorney/DOJ representative caseloads.

2.          Manage the caseloads and supervise the work of attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives through regular case review meetings.

3.         Mentor, support, and train Lucha Program staff on complex immigration matters and the provision of client-centered, trauma-informed services.

4.          Work closely with the Deputy Director, Grant Coordinator, and development staff to prepare grant applications; ensure compliance with grant requirements and county, state and federal contracts; and prepare narrative and other reports as required by funding agencies.

5.          Participate in community education programs and Know Your Rights presentations regarding rights, responsibilities, and immigration updates.

6.                 Conduct outreach efforts and maintain relationships with domestic violence and human trafficking providers, governmental agencies, law enforcement officials, and community-based organizations.

7.                 Participate in local, statewide, and national councils and task forces that seek to improve practices and policies that affect immigrant survivors.

8.                 Educate and provide technical assistance to community partners concerning immigration issues affecting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

9.                 Establish contacts and relationships with courts, bar, associations, other legal services programs, legislative bodies, governmental agencies, and community organizations.

10.       Identify laws, policies, and practices which adversely affect and diminish the rights and benefits of immigrant survivors, and work with others to devise creative strategies for addressing these problems.

11.       Supervise, delegate and review the work of law students, interns and volunteers so that their work is helpful to AI Justice and results in a beneficial learning experience for them.

12.       Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·      Minimum 5 years of experience representing immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA, including extensive experience in removal defense and appeals.

·      Licensed to practice law in any state – Florida Bar membership preferred.

·      Fluent in Spanish or Haitian Creole required.

·      Strong writing, research and analytical skills; strong communication and group leadership skills.

·      Interest in policy advocacy at the national level.

·      Excellent presentation skills for community outreach, education, and training.

·      Experience working managing and mentoring volunteers and pro bono attorneys.

·      Enthusiastic about and committed to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.

·      Comfortable working in a collaborative environment that values giving and receiving feedback.

·      Must have own transportation.

·      Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks.

Location:         Position based in Miami, FL – Hybrid Remote