Staff Attorney (Full Time, Remote)

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Exempt

Salary : Starting at $70,304 per year

Department : Legal Department | Affordable Legal Assistance Services

Reports to : Supervising Attorney, Supervising DOJ Accredited Representative, Managing Attorney, and Managing DOJ Accredited Representative

Location: Hybrid-Telecommute, in-person services at CARECEN Los Angeles Office and partner offsite locations

Job Summary : The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual Spanish-speaking staff attorney for its affirmative services (ALAS) unit. The staff attorney will provide legal services at CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations in the Greater Los Angeles area. The staff attorney will regularly provide legal consultation and representation services primarily in affirmative immigration cases including but not limited to naturalization and citizenship, family petitions, SIJS, adjustment of status, advance parole, TPS, DACA, removal of conditions, U Visas, VAWAs, green card renewals as well as other forms of relief and duties assigned.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Conduct and review client intakes for immigration relief for community members at CARECEN and offsite partner locations

Prepare a variety of immigration cases including representing applicants before USCIS and EOIR Immigration Court. The majority of the casework will include affirmative cases (DACA applications, green card renewals, naturalization, citizenship derivation/acquisition cases, family petitions, SIJS, TPS, adjustment of status, removal of conditions, consular processing, employment authorization applications, and other humanitarian relief)

Assist with peer reviewing client intakes and filings for immigration relief

Assign and review casework to legal support staff including paralegals

Conduct presentations, application workshops, and other community education activities, including at offsite locations, which may require periodic evening and Saturday work

Participate in data reporting to facilitate legal services, workshops, as well as to fulfill grant obligations

Provide support to citizenship classes and students, on an as-needed basis

Other duties as assigned by Supervising Attorney, Supervising DOJ Accredited Representative, Managing Attorney and Managing DOJ Accredited Representative

Required Skills/Qualifications

Law degree and active bar admission (California preferred).

1-2 years of practical experience in immigration required.

Experience in family-based and adjustment cases preferred

Bilingual fluency in spoken and written English & Spanish

Excellent legal skills and broad knowledge of immigration law

Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently on large volume caseload

Must be willing to conduct community education and workshops around Los Angeles County if needed.

Classification & Work Schedule
Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. Position may require evening and/or weekend work, based on responsibilities. This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. The normal office hours for exempt position is 35 hours, but a greater emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position. A hybrid schedule may be offered. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Work Environment & Physical Demands
This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary.

Travel Requirements
Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by other nonprofits, libraries, and government facilities, among others. Position requires the ability to travel to different CARECEN offices and offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 25% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available when applicable. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Application Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

CARECEN offers a generous health insurance package that has medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 14 paid holidays.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles