Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights invites applications for the full-time position of Staff Attorney with its Technical Assistance Program. The position is open to applicants based anywhere in the United States, with preference given to applicants in cities where the Young Center has offices: Houston, San Antonio, and Harlingen, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Phoenix, Arizona; and Los Angeles, California.

　　The Technical Assistance Program offers case consultations, trainings, and resources to professionals working with immigrant children in child welfare and other state court systems to help improve outcomes for these children and build the capacity of advocates, agencies and courts to navigate the inevitable complexities that arise when they serve immigrant children. This position is a unique opportunity for an attorney to join a passionate team in a developing program and to advance the rights and best interests of immigrant children in individual cases as well as systemically. The Staff Attorney will research and analyze complex issues at the intersection of child welfare and immigration law in response to requests for assistance to support multi-system impacted immigrant children’s access to language, culture, legal representation, family unity, and well-being.

　　

ABOUT YOUNG CENTER:

The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is a national organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights and best interests—safety and well-being—of immigrant children in the United States. Through its flagship Child Advocate Program the Young Center serves as the federally-appointed bests interests representative for unaccompanied and separated immigrant children in federal custody. Child Advocates meet with children and learn their stories in order to identify and advocate for their best interests through an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens. The Young Center’s Policy Program fights for wholesale reform of the immigration system while pursuing immediate changes in policy and practice that center children’s rights and best interests in all decisions. The Technical Assistance Program, the Young Center’s newest program, offers intersectional expertise and critical resources to advocates and service providers working with immigrant children involved in child welfare and other state court systems. The Young Center has offices in Houston, San Antonio, and Harlingen, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Phoenix, Arizona; and Los Angeles, California. We also serve children through programs in New Jersey and Western Michigan.

　　

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consult with stakeholders from various disciplines and entities on resources and best practices for serving immigrant children involved in a child welfare system Review and interpret legal documents from the U.S. immigration system and state child welfare systems to facilitate consultations Research state and federal law on various matters related to immigration, child welfare, and/or family law Draft legal analysis of complex issues at the intersection of immigration and child welfare law Receive and conduct intake calls from parents detained in ICE custody to help them understand, and connect with resources related to, their rights with respect to the custody, care, and placement of their children Provide internal case consultation and case support related to child welfare or family law matters Participate in internal and external working groups Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders or organizations at the intersection of immigration and child welfare Capture accurate and timely data to inform reports to funders and internal Young Center departments regarding requests for assistance, issues consulted on, program metrics, and current trends Participate in a supportive, collaborative work culture that allows for creative, thoughtful, high-quality, and effective interdisciplinary advocacy Actively engage with colleagues and supervisors in developing strategies for technical assistance Other duties as assigned

　　

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

J.D. and license to practice law Minimum 2 years practice in child welfare or family law and/or policy Legal analysis, negotiation, and mediation skills Effective communication skills, including ability to liaise with various stakeholders, colleagues, and volunteers Excellent case management skills High-level organizational skills Ability to work independently, take initiative, and proactively address consultation needs Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively as part of an interdisciplinary team Ability to work in a flexible, evolving environment, adapt to situations, and manage change effectively Commitment to a comprehensive culture of feedback, including seeking and providing positive and constructive feedback and engaging in productive conversations Commitment to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or anti-racism principles Ability to effectively engage across different culture, identities, and ethnicities Strong writing skills Aptitude and thoughtfulness in promoting child-centered advocacy Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and willingness to learn new technology and/or platforms

　　

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Generally, has prior experience working with trauma survivors, or migrant/refugees/unaccompanied children to demonstrate an understanding of the population we serve. This may be first-hand experience or demonstrated interest in the field through coursework, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc. Lived experience that lends insight into supporting children and their families navigating the immigration system and/or the child welfare system Understanding of the impact of trauma on children and familiarity with a trauma-informed approach to advocacy Bilingual ability (oral and written) in English/Spanish or English/other languages spoken by the population we serve Background and/or demonstrated interest in U.S. immigration law Candidate’s physical location where the Young Center has an office or in the Southeast (Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, or South Carolina)

　　

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands include regular attendance; keyboarding; sitting for long periods (at least 5 hours a day). Ability to use a computer, telephone, and copy machine. Ability to travel by plane, car, and other conveyances within U.S. Occasional lifting for event setup/preparation.

　　

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS:

All employees must be fully vaccinated prior to first day of employment. The Young Center is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in and affirmatively factors diversity into its hiring practices. Young Center encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, pregnancy, citizenship, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veterans’ status. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process; no application will be penalized for requesting an accommodation. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

　　Minimum Salary: 75000.00Maximum Salary: 110000.00Salary Unit: Yearly