Pro Bono & Strategic Initiatives Counsel

TO APPLY: Submit a resume and cover letter to emo@emoregon.org or apply on our website: https://emoregon.org/employment/. Position open until filled.

PURPOSE: To develop SOAR Immigration Legal Services’ pro bono legal program by initiating pro bono programs to respond to various immigration crises or changes. To provide direct legal services to low income and culturally diverse immigrants.  

ACCOUNTABILITY: To the mission and goals of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) as determined by the Board of Directors, and as administered by the Executive Director and their delegates.

REPORTS TO: Director of Immigration Legal Services

DIRECT REPORTS: None.

LOCATION: EMO’s SOAR Immigration Legal Services Portland or Hillsboro program site.

CLASSIFICATION: Full time (Exempt)

BENEFITS: Salary starts at $82,049 annually. Salary starts at $86,209 for candidates with Spanish language fluency. Starting salary increases with each year of immigration practice experience. All regular employees (does not include on-call or temporary) are eligible for vacation, holidays, sick leave, 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance program and employee trainings. Employees in exempt positions or non-exempt positions that are 20 hours per week or more, also receive medical insurance, dental insurance, disability insurance and life insurance, per eligibility requirements.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop SOAR’s pro bono program, by engaging current and prospective law firms and attorney in SOAR’s work. Conduct training, orientation, and ongoing support for SOAR’s pro bono attorneys and volunteers.
2. In coordination with the Director and SOAR Leadership Team, develop SOAR Legal’s programmatic responses to various immigration legal and policy changes. 
3. Provide direct legal representation to low income clients with USCIS administrative applications on a broad range of immigration cases including: family based petitions, asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, consular processing, deferred action for childhood arrivals, U visas and other immigration remedies.
4. Manage SOAR’s Externship Program by supervising legal interns, coordinating assignments, providing training and conducting evaluations.
5. Plan and coordinate SOAR virtual and in-person Legal Clinics.
6. Recruit, train, and provide support for volunteer attorneys, law students, and legal assistants.
7. Hold community presentations on immigration topics.
8. Submit monthly reports on services rendered.
9. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to work within the mission, vision and ethics of EMO, and maintain an understanding of the services provided by the programs and projects of EMO.

KNOWLEDGE: Must be a lawyer in good standing with the Bar of any state, and meet the requirements of ORS 9.280 and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct; Must have at least five years of experience practicing immigration law (gained as either an attorney or accredited representative); Proven proficiency using software programs for data and word processing; Must possess valid driver’s license and evidence of insurability.

SKILLS: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen to and affirm people from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances; Treat all individuals with respect and dignity; Excellent time management and attention to deadlines.

EFFORT: Proven organizational skills and ability to maintain calm, professional manner.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ability to be self-directed and work as a member of a team; Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with confidentiality, diplomacy and professionalism.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to work in a respectful manner with people of diverse ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, religion, culture and sexual orientation; High tolerance for ambiguity and change.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Fluent in Spanish and English.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. People of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people living with HIV are encouraged to apply.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by state and federal regulations will be observed.