If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!
Reporting to the Director for Legal Affairs, theImmigration Staff Attorneywill support Global Refuge, its Baltimore field offices, and consortium through the provision of immigration legal orientation, screening, referral, and case assistance. The primary function of the Immigration Staff Attorney will be to provide client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal counsel to Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) and Welcome Center clients on related immigration matters. The Immigration Staff Attorney will collaborate with cross-department colleagues and Global Refuge partners to achieve this goal.This temporary position will be in Baltimore and full-time with a contract from January 29, 2024, through July 16, 2025.Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in theUnited States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.
Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment,professional development, tuition reimbursement,generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, andan annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
DUTIES
Develop and conduct legal orientation programs and consultations within program-prescribed timeframes to ensure clients have critical information about immigration processes, an understanding of immigration requirements, and a general overview of legal options for temporary and permanent status, and next steps.Conduct immigration screenings for enrolled clients to assess for immigration relief, including explanation of rights and available options.Develop community education materials, create training materials, and provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations.Work with case management team and local partners to organize and hold legal orientation programs and workshops to provide limited legal services for clients seeking assistance with certain immigration applications.Provide trainings and technical assistance to promote self-advocacy skills including tracking case steps and status, case escalation, and case liaison assistance.Coordinate with case management team to ensure timely assistance to enrolled clients.Work with legal team to respond to requests for legal assistance, case development, and rovision of legal representation, to include referral to outside counsel.Assist with community outreach and education, and group presentations and workshops; and represent the agency to a variety of organizations and at community and professional functions and meetings, as requested.Perform legal research on AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other related primary and secondary sources of immigration law and regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on U.S. immigration law, policy, and practices.Maintain accurate data entry and record-keeping for grant-funded projects.Proactively, constructively, and consistently report to relevant staff and leadership about programmatic developments, administrative requirements, and broader institutional concerns, opportunities, and needs.Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings; network and build relationships with like-minded organizations.Contribute to the development of, support, and strengthen internal protocols and communication; foster a collaborative work environment and contribute positively to team dynamics; and reflect Global Refuge and the legal team's values inside and outside the organization.May oversee temporary legal interns, paralegals, or law fellows as needed.QUALIFICATIONS
Law degree from an accredited law school, required.At least 2-5 years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts and BIA strongly preferred; candidates with exceptional clinical or internship experience may also be considered.Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice. Experience working with survivors of trauma, immigrants, and refugees.Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy and presentation skills.Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based decision-making environment.Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations.Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff and interns of diverse backgrounds.Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage a diverse caseload, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.Fluency in Spanish or other core language required.Understanding of the law firm and pro bono culture a plusExcellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, required.Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.We participate in E-Verify.
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language ab