Consulting Attorney-Immigration Legal Services

Title:

Consulting attorney – immigration legal services

(Full Time Position)

Status:

non-exempt

Supervisor:

director of immigration legal services

JFCS Pittsburgh

Founded in 1937, JFCS is committed to helping people of all ages and backgrounds through life’s changes and challenges. We do this by providing comprehensive, innovative and compassionate social service programs for everyone who walks through our door and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. In today’s world, it is important that your life’s work brings you value and purpose. By being a member of the team at JFCS, you will experience hands-on opportunities that directly help people in the Greater Pittsburgh region through life’s changes and challenges.

Position Summary

The Consulting Attorney for Immigration Legal Services is a two-year grant funded position through the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact. This new position responds to the persistent shortage of accessible immigration legal services in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. The Consulting Attorney will provide legal consultations for individuals seeking pathways to remain in the United States. The Consulting Attorney will also mentor trained pro-bono attorneys assigned to complete filings and represent clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Immigration Legal Consultations:

Provide legal consultations for community members seeking immigration legal support referred by the member organizations in the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact (CII)

• Complete immigration legal screenings and consultations for all referred individuals
• Provide a comprehensive explanation to each individual of their immigration legal status and available legal options
• When appropriate, refer individuals to CII legal service providers or to pro bono volunteers for assistance
• Directly report to the JFCS Director of Immigration Legal Services.
• Collaborate with the leadership of the CII Pro Bono Legal Services Project.
• Refer clients to appropriate legal representation when appropriate.
• Provide timely, accurate, and detailed reporting which includes case data and referrals into the Pro Bono Project’s management and referral systems
• Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS, to maintain attorney license and stay abreast of changes in policies and procedures.
• Assume other responsibilities and participate in additional projects as assigned

Pro Bono Coordination:

• Work with JFCS’ Community and Donor Engagement Manager, Casa San Jose’s Legal Services Coordinator and the JFCS Director of Immigration Legal Services to develop and implement a mentoring and retention strategy for volunteer attorneys
• Work with the leadership of the Pro Bono Project to develop and facilitate trainings for pro bono attorneys
• Work with the leadership of the Pro Bono Project to develop, coordinate and facilitate community immigration legal clinics
• Serve as the JFCS legal representative at all trainings and clinics coordinated through the Pro Bono Project
• Participate in JFCS outreach to publicize and promote the pro-bono project.
• Assign cases, supervise and mentor trained pro bono attorneys working with JFCS clients to ensure they are being handled appropriately

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Function as the main point of contact for immigration legal referrals from the member organizations in the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact (CII)
• Be an ambassador to represent JFCS externally in a positive and collaborative way.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must be culturally sensitive to the unique needs of a diverse array of individuals from around the world and demonstrate a deep understanding of trauma informed services
• Demonstrate a high level of organization
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication with staff, clients, partners, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated abilities as a collaborative team player
• Cultural humility and openness to learning is a hallmark of this position
• Ability to work independently and to manage the work of others
• Must have access to reliable vehicle, insurance, and valid license
• Regular regional travel in western Pennsylvania is required as part of the job description
• Must be available for legal clinics and trainings on evenings and weekends
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• work independently and to manage the work of others

Education and Experience

• JD with the ability to practice in the United States
• Demonstrated knowledge and 2year's experience in immigration legal services
• Experience working in related social service or non-profit field
• Familiarity with program planning and development as well as implementation and assessment
• Strong administrative management and organizational skills with a keen focus on details