#ILS0-027 - Immigration Attorney / DOJ Accredited Representative

Department: Immigration Legal Services

Employment Type: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Managing Attorney

Location: SE Portland

Compensation: $65,000 - $70,500 annually

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 Staff Attorney position is a critical part of the CCILS team. This role will provide direct legal services to individuals. The Staff Attorney is a part of a team who focuses on family reunification and assistance to the most vulnerable immigrants, including domestic violence victims, crime victims, refugees, and certain persons needing deportation and removal defense. 

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Staff Attorney will provide direct immigration legal services to low-income individuals.
• Providing legal consultations and representation.  
• Representing clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in cases, including but not limited to: family-based petitions, waivers, consular processing, Adjustments of Status, Asylum, Humanitarian Parole.
• Representing clients in removal proceedings in Immigration Court as needed.
• 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.
• Coordinate legal volunteers, interns, and externs and provide supervision. If needed.
• Conduct trainings for legal service providers, community partners, and law students; some travel is required. If needed.
• Perform community outreach and education events; some travel is required.
• Effectively represent CCILS at community functions and at other events as requested or needed.
• Participate in trainings and meetings assigned by a member of management, their supervisor, and/or Human Resources.
• Adherence to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD degree from an accredited law school and admission to bar in any state or have DOJ Accreditation.
• One year of previous experience practicing immigration law preferred.
• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing in Spanish and English.  
• Ability to effectively work with standard office programs including MS Office and immigration specialized case management software; experience with Law Logix preferred.
• Demonstrate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• Commitment to Catholic Charities mission to work in partnership with vulnerable populations to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met in a timely manner. High attention to detail required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well in team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which could include some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Travel between sites in Portland required.  Must have driver’s license, access to vehicle and ability to obtain automobile insurance at levels required by agency.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision plans
• Alternative care benefits for the employee
• 100% employer paid life
• 100% employer paid long-term disability
• Voluntary disability
• Voluntary supplemental life
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off which includes:
• • Vacation time
  • Sick time
  • Personal days
• 13 paid holidays per year; plus, additional holiday pay for Agency closure Christmas through New Year’s
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Free parking
• 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.

BACKGROUND AND MVR SCREENING:

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

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.