Staff Attorney

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

Each year refugees and immigrants come to the United States to seek a better life and/or protection from persecution in their home country. To help them build their lives in the United States, USCRI offers pro-bono and low-bono legal services for these refugees and immigrants by providing competent and comprehensive immigration legal services. Currently, we are seeking to hire a Staff Attorney for our Des Moines, IA field office who will contribute to the activities of the Legal Services Program and provide direct representation for Afghan parolees who have entered the U.S. since July 29, 2021.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Conducting intakes and providing legal consultations to determine eligibility for legal relief;
• Preparing and submitting immigration applications for the following:
  • Family reunification petitions;
  • Consular processing;
  • Temporary Protected Status;
  • DACA;
  • Adjustment of Status;
  • Asylum;
  • Special Immigrant Status for Afghans and Iraqis;
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
  • Waivers of inadmissibility; and
  • Additional benefits such as employment authorization documents, travel documents, renewal of permanent resident cards, Certificates of Citizenship, and FOIAs;
• Making appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners;
• Representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including attending immigration interviews, immigration court hearings, and Infopass appointments;
• Assisting in the development of grants or contract proposals and reporting;
• Conducting outreach, leading trainings, and participating in networking activities;
• Providing functional supervision of the Legal Assistant;
• Maintaining bar membership through continuing legal education; and
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Attorney and Associate Director of Legal Services.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 
  J.D. with a valid license to practice law and at least three years of immigration legal experience;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong writing and demonstrated intercultural communication ability;
• Spanish-fluency preferred;
• High-level of proficiency in Outlook, MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel and database programs;
• Flexibility for occasional evening and community-based work required;
• Positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team and also work independently is desirable; and

• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• 
  Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• 
  Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying; and
• Quantitative/mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Please submit a resume with cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.

References will be required at time of the final interview.

No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer