Associate Director of Immigration of Legal Services

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone’s life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you’re in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children … implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America … or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications – you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Oversees the ongoing provision of legal immigration services in the Immigration and Refugee Program. Responsibilities include oversight of legal services staff and legal services programs, creation of policies and procedures, intake documents, case management guidelines, and developing a comprehensive resource development plan in collaboration with the Office Director and Development Manager. Additionally, this person will provide direct immigration legal services to refugee and asylee clients including eligibility screenings, application completion, advocacy and follow up as necessary. They will recruit and supervise interns, volunteers, and additional staff as necessary to support program growth and coordinate with local universities and law schools to support a robust staffing pipeline for the Immigration Legal Services Program.

Direct Service

• Conduct eligibility screenings for refugee and asylee applicants for immigration benefits.
• Conduct intake interviews with clients in order to complete applications for benefits. Assist clients in completing their immigration applications, including Application for Permanent Resident (I-485), Refugee Petition for Alien Relative (I-730), and Application for Naturalization (N-400).
• Compile application packets in an accurate fashion by completing required accompanying documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, photographs, translations, etc.
• Negotiates with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients.
• Conduct legal research to support filed immigration applications. Drafts supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepares and files immigration applications and motions; prepares other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Immigration Legal Services staff, volunteers and interns in accordance with CWS personnel policies and guidance from CWS Human Resources in order to support the Immigration Service Programs.
• Oversees the provision of core services by legal staff including legal screenings, Know Your Rights, and court preparation for children referred by ORR/Vera Institute.
• Develops all policies, procedures, and documentation necessary for the successful operation of a Immigration Legal Service Program.
• Oversees and coordinates ongoing training of Immigration Program staff in accordance with contract, DOJ and NC Bar requirements. Ensures robust staffing pipeline for DOJ-accredited positions through ongoing training efforts.
• Develops and maintains accurate case list and manages case files.
• Provides financial oversight for immigration services program (i.e. budget oversight, regular financial reporting, etc).
• Assists the Dallas, TX Area Director in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing funder-required reports, and writing grant renewals.
• Work with Dallas, TX Area Director to develop strategic plan for Dallas Immigration Legal Services Program; identify and pursue resource development opportunities under the oversight of the Dallas, TX Area Director with support from the Dallas Development Coordinator.
• Identifies potential barriers to accessing immigration benefits and provide support and advocacy to overcome such barriers.
• Coordinates the provision of information and outreach to the refugee community regarding immigration benefits.
• Stays abreast of developments in immigration laws and changes in procedures. Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants and asylum seekers.
• Attends legal immigration trainings as necessary to maintain professional credentials.
• Properly manages client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
• Inform of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Partial/Full Accreditation with the Department of Justice required, J.D. strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree (if Partially/Fully Accredited by Department of Justice) or J.D. (if not already Accredited by Department of Justice).

Experience:

• Minimum five years’ previous work experience providing legal services for, refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants
• At least two years’ work experience in a program management position.

Skills:

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits