Immigration Attorney, or DOJ-Accredited Representative - 2025771

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Immigration Attorney or DOJ-accredited representative will play a critical role in World Relief Western WA’s Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team. The primary role of the Immigration Attorney or DOJ-accredited representative will be to represent clients in applications before US Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). If licensed as an attorney, the position will also involve limited-scope representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Please note: this position is being advertised for either a DOJ-accredited representative or a licensed attorney. Compensation ranges vary (32.40-34.00 per hour for a DOJ-accredited representative, and 80,000-84,000 per year for an attorney).

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services

• Provides substantive legal screening to determine clients’ benefit eligibility.
• Explain immigration benefits and advise clients on best actions to take for their specific case.
• Assist clients with completing applications for immigration benefits.
• Provide representation to individuals needing assistance filing applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (green card applications, naturalization, family-based immigration, asylum and other humanitarian visas).
• Help clients advocate for themselves when they are interacting with government agencies such as: the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other government offices.
• Perform factual and legal research for personal caseload and in support of other ILS team members.
• Communicate clearly with clients about all matters related to their immigration situation, and the ability to clearly explain to clients what supporting documents and evidence must be provided.
• Advocate zealously for clients.

Administration

• Maintain up-to-date record of client data and case progress in both LawLogix database and in multiple Excel documents.
• Ensure physical and electronic case files are accurate and up-to-date with most recent client documents and government notices.
• Respond promptly to client emails and phone calls regarding their cases and submit inquiries on case status to DOS, USCIS, DHS and EOIR, as needed.
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting in a timely manner.

Training

• Alongside ILS Program Manager, train other ILS team members on relevant legal topics, including how to file immigration petitions/motions.
• Attend relevant trainings to promote an ever-growing knowledge of immigration law and tactics.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and refugees and share updates with other team members.

Outreach & Community Education

• Assist with advertising WRS Immigration Legal Services to target immigrant populations and may participate in and/or lead community education events on topics of legal importance to target immigrant populations.
• Make referrals both internally and externally, as appropriate.
• Conduct Know-Your-Rights trainings when required to do so.

Additional Duties if Licensed as an Attorney

• Provide representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Administrative Review (EOIR) - Immigration Court.
• Draft and file motions and applications at EOIR Immigration Courts.
• Counsel individuals in removal proceedings on immigration law, case procedures and legal options.
• Determine legal strategy in cooperation with other attorneys and the program manager.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Mature and personal Christian faith
• Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
• Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
• Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document
• Previous knowledge and understanding of immigration law and systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Outlook, Excel, Word & PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from a wide range of cultural, racial, religious and language backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a varied and demanding caseload, including excellent time-management, priority-setting, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Occasional travel to Whatcom County and Thurston County office locations (1-2 times per month) required.
• A desire to serve immigrants and refugees in support of the mission and vision of World Relief.
• Flexibility, resourcefulness and the ability to enthusiastically assist with other duties as assigned.

Additional requirements for Immigration Attorney:

• Licensed attorney in good standing with an active state bar membership.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in one or more languages commonly spoken by the populations we serve is highly desirable (e.g., Spanish, French, Dari, Arabic, or other relevant languages).
• Licensed under the Washington State Bar
• Previous experience with Immigration Case Management System Equifax (LawLogix)
• Experience within a non-profit legal environment
• Candidates from refugee, asylee or immigrant backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

Additional preferred qualifications for Immigration Attorney:

• Removal defense experience is desirable