Legal Services Director jobs in Stamford, CT

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job ? you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $70,000 Benefits (that currently include):

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $35/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees

POSITION SUMMARY: The Stamford Immigration Attorney, provides direct legal services, As a legal caseworker, this employee will help immigrants, and their families resolve their immigration issues through legal advice and counseling. Services include preparation for naturalization, adjustment of status, visa processing, political asylum, visas for victims of serious crimes, and family reunification assistance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide confidential legal consultations and conduct initial assessments on immigration cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits. This will include screenings of individuals in removal proceedings, particularly unaccompanied minors.
• Counsel and assist immigrants and their families with various applications for immigration benefits, including but not limited to, naturalization, family reunification, relief for victims of trafficking and other serious crimes, applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and adjustment of status.
• Assist potential clients with referrals to pro bono legal representation through CIRI?s Pro Bono Network and provide pro bono representation in qualifying cases.
• Complete case-related applications and petitions, supporting paperwork, and professional documentation of services.
• Carefully monitor and maintain electronic and paper files for each client and case, according to CIRI guidelines, as part of an organized case load.
• Stay abreast of changes in immigration policy and laws and attend required monthly in-service trainings. Oversee management of all aspects of CIRI?s Stamford Office, with support from Director, Immigration Legal Services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• JD. or LL.M from accredited law school and current bar membership in good standing to practice law in any of the United States; willingness to waive into Connecticut.
• At least 1 year of immigration legal practice experience.
• Experience working with low-income immigrant populations and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other survivors of trauma.
• Strong public speaking skills and communication skills, bilingual in English and Spanish required
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.
• Commitment to the agency?s core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at DSchwarz@cirict.org to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.