#ILS-035 – Temporary Immigration Attorney / DOJ Accredited Representative

Department: Immigration Legal Services

Employment Type: Full Time (40hrs/wk.); FLSA

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Work location: SE Portland; Fully in office

Work schedule: 20-40 hours/per week, negotiable

Compensation: $50-$60/hour, commensurate with experience

Benefits: This Temporary position is eligible for participation in our 403b retirement plan. 

Agency Overview:

Through the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Charities of Oregon achieves lasting solutions to poverty and injustice by partnering with clients to meet their economic and educational goals, and to support their physical and social well-being. Catholic Charities is the official domestic relief agency of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. 

Position Summary:

The Temporary Immigration Law Attorney/DOJ Accredited Representative will work as part of an existing team of 4 attorneys and 1 DOJ accredited representative.  This position provides humanitarian immigration support including but not limited to: Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, Employment Authorization Applications, DACA renewals, and responding to Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny.

What You Will Work On:

• The Temporary Attorney/DOJ Accredited Representative will provide direct immigration legal services to low-income individuals.
• Manage a caseload of affirmative immigration matters before USCIS.
• • Develop legal strategies tailored to each client's immigration goals.
  • Prepare, review, and file immigration applications, petitions, and supporting evidence.
  • Draft detailed legal briefs, cover letters, legal memoranda, and declarations.
  • Conduct client interviews to obtain factual histories and identify eligibility for immigration relief.
  • Advise clients regarding immigration options, risks, processing times, and eligibility requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with all USCIS filing requirements, deadlines, and evidentiary standards.
  • Review completed applications prepared by legal assistants.
• Ensure that all assigned legal services are provided in accordance with applicable State and Local regulatory requirements, Catholic Charities Board Policies, Social Service Division Policies, and the Catholic Charities Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
• Participate in trainings and meetings as requested by Supervisor.
• Adherence to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring:

Education, Certifications, and Licensure Requirements/Preferences

• JD degree from an accredited law school and active bar license in any U.S. state or current DOJ  Accreditation.

Experience Requirements/Preferences

• Minimum two years’ previous experience working in immigration law. 
• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing in English; Spanish preferred but not required.  
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience in immigration specialized case management software a plus! 

Background and MVR Screening:

Satisfactory results from pre-employment criminal and civil background screening required. Motor vehicle records (MVR) review required as needed.

Benefits Overview:

Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans; alternative care benefits for the employee; 100% employer paid life and long-term disability; voluntary disability and life; employee assistance program; paid time off which includes vacation time, sick time, and personal days; 13 paid holidays plus additional holiday pay for Agency closure Christmas through New Year’s; 403(b) retirement plan; free parking and more! Catholic Charities of Oregon employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness government-sponsored education loan repayment program. Please note these benefits are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled:

Catholic Charities of Oregon is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion across our agency.  Catholic Charities of Oregon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, equal pay, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.  Applicants and employees need not be Catholic.