Job Description

The Supervising attorney will be working under the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and Acacia grants. Accountable for all aspects of program operations including intake, staff training, reports, and advocacy. Responsible for ensuring compliance with Catholic Charities of Dallas policies and procedures and the minimum standards set forth by any accreditation agency.

Legal:

• Represent eligible immigrants in affirmative petitions to USCIS, primarily VAWA, U Visas, Asylum, and SIJS, as well as representation of clients in bond and removal hearings before EOIR.
• Provide legal oversight at removal workshops.
• Perform factual and legal research and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure.
• Organize and participate in trainings for new staff attorneys and fully accredited representatives, as well as volunteer attorneys on bond, asylum, SIJS among other issues.
• Maintaining professional relationships with law firm partners, the private bar, and pro bono attorneys.
• Advocate for clients before USCIS and EOIR.
• Other legal services and support as the need arises.

Administrative:

• Provides training, coaching, and direct supervision of assigned staff attorneys / accredited representatives.
• Assists in the oversight of daily operations, including appointment scheduling, database entry, and daily closing.
• Responsible for program specific grant writing, monitoring, reporting and compliance.
• Participate in community education and outreach activities as needed, including “Know your Rights” presentations, out of office consultations, and special events/ workshops.
• Represent department at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary.
• Attends immigration training seminars and read daily immigration law updates to remain abreast of the immigration law and procedures.
• Respond quickly and effectively to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s disciplinary procedures.
• Provide staff with regular feedback regarding abuse risk prevention and a healthy reporting culture.
• Ensure required abuse prevention practices are followed and a healthy reporting culture is maintained.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with and protection of clients.
• Complete required abuse prevention training (Safe Environment) and others, as required by program.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high risk activities and supervising clients, as applicable.
• Other duties as requested

EDUCATION & TRAINING :

• Juris Doctor from accredited law school in the US. Admission to US State, Puerto Rico, or DC bar mandatory. TX Preferred.
• Strong legal writing, research, and communication skills.
• Two plus years immigration experience required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with co-workers, clients, and community service providers.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to relate well and effectively in a diverse workplace with diverse client population is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way and displays a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Experience with grant writing, reporting, and compliance preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma preferred.
• Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment.
• Able to travel within the diocese of Dallas and work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, data collection, typing and computer skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (background check, driving record, language, physical)

Background Check: This position requires a criminal background check.

Health: annual TB screen required, other public health screenings as required.

Language requirements: Bilingual English/Spanish required.

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