Senior Legal Representative, Immigration

Job Overview: The Senior Legal Representative, Immigration, who is accredited or will seek accreditation within 3 months of hire by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC to represent clients in immigration matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is an experienced legal professional providing immigration legal services and, in some cases, supervising legal services provided by other DOJ accredited representatives as well as interns.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Represent immigration clients before USCIS. May handle more complex or sensitive cases, or otherwise utilize expertise to increase the capacity to serve clients.
• Conduct client intake, provide eligibility determinations and advise clients accordingly, and communicate clearly with clients to gather documents and evidence.
• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding case status and submit inquiries on case status to USCIS and Department of State (DOS).
• Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS includes notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and contribute to completion of funding proposals and statistical, narrative, and financial reports.
• Assess and make client referrals for other legal and/or social services as appropriate.
• Stay apprised of immigration law as it pertains to IRC’s scope of services and maintain DOJ accreditation by attending and keeping records of continuing legal education training and credits.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
• Provide daily direct supervision to Legal Representatives and/or Legal Assistants employing adaptive management techniques to provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans.
• Work with the Managing Attorney to ensure cases have high-quality legal review and that clients are counseled appropriately on their immigration options and potential risks and consequences of applying for certain immigration benefits.
• Along with the Managing Attorney, ensure immigration staff adhere to the IRC Immigration Program Policies Manual, including through regular mentorship, direct observations of key client service activities (e.g., client intakes).
• Ensure staff, interns and volunteers reporting to this position have a clear understanding of what activities constitute the unauthorized practice of law and how these boundaries should be applied in IRC’s legal service model.
• Promote a high functioning, collaborative team with effective integration of volunteers within programs; collaborate with other IRC program areas as appropriate to ensure client-centered service.
• In coordination with the Managing Attorney, conduct regular internal case file reviews (paper files and electronic case files) to ensure compliance with IRC Immigration Program Policies as well as any donor requirements.
• As a senior staff member, support effective quality assurance systems and processes for course correction.
• Support accurate and timely completion of all program reports as required by funding sources, headquarters, and other partners.
• Track monthly and quarterly performance using Lolly Law and ensure all client work is documented in Lolly Law.
• Represent IRC at immigration-related meetings and events in the community, including by giving presentations.
• Assist with outreach strategy as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ professional immigration experience representing individuals before USCIS as a partially accredited DOJ Representative.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience supervising staff highly desirable; experience supervising interns may be considered.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Ability and passion to train staff with less experience on immigration legal issues.
• Proven understanding of legal ethics standards and ability to instruct others on core principles of legal professional conduct.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• Occasional domestic (non-local) travel required; up to 10%.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.