Staff Attorney, Immigrant Children and Youth (ICY) Program

Description GHIRP is an immigration legal services organization with 501(c)(3) status that launched in October 2020, with a mission to build a resilient, diverse community by providing comprehensive representation and holistic legal services to immigrants in need. GHIRP is seeking a staff attorney to provide high-quality legal services to children and youth in immigration-related matters in the Houston and Galveston areas. The applicant must be fluent in English and Spanish. Duties/Responsibilities Provide child-friendly and trauma-informed legal services for unaccompanied minors and immigrant youth, including providing Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations, individual screenings, pro se assistance, referrals, and direct legal representation. Offer Friend of Court assistance to children detained at HHS/ORR facilities, and represent released children before the Houston Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Prepare and file applications for legal relief, and represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), state courts, and related entities. Manage a full caseload with complex immigration issues. Coordinate the provision of holistic client services with paralegals, social services coordinators, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers. Ensure contract compliance, including helping to prepare funder reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required. Participate in working groups, trainings, calls, and meetings with funders and technical assistance providers to stay up-to-date with new legal and programmatic developments. Collaborate with other agencies, stakeholders, and service providers to procure client services and network with like-minded organizations. Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and legal trainings. Participate as needed in GHIRP's community initiatives such as Friend of Court, Know Your Rights presentations, consultation days, and pro se workshops. Support special events and donation drives, as needed. Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor. Requirements J.D. from ABA certified law school or international equivalent (LLM). Preferred: Current Texas bar membership in good standing. / Recent graduates awaiting Texas bar results may be considered for a comparable Law Clerk position. Fluent in Spanish and English. Experience in immigration law is preferred. Law school experience will be considered. Advanced legal research and writing skills, excellent organizational skills. Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment, under pressure, with a large volume of clients, cases, and data. Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients. Strong communication skills, including trauma-informed and child-friendly interviewing abilities, and an appreciation of multicultural experiences. Texas Driver’s License; clean driving record; own vehicle; applicable auto insurance. Able to pass federal and statewide background checks and submit to drug testing upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr