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GMHC · 2 months ago

Staff Attorney (Legal Immigration)

New York,NY,US

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$80K/yr - $88K/yr

2+ years exp

GMHC is a leading organization providing support and services for individuals living with or affected by HIV. The Staff Attorney (Legal Immigration) plays a critical role in delivering comprehensive immigration legal services and advocacy for low-income clients, ensuring access to justice through trauma-informed and culturally competent legal support.

Health CareNon ProfitWellness

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive legal needs assessments at intake and reassess clients regularly to identify evolving legal needs or additional service needs (e.g. related to social determinants of health)

Provide direct immigration legal services, including: Know Your Rights presentations and legal education

Pro se assistance on straightforward and complex cases

Legal counsel and case strategy development

Full regal representation before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA in matters including, but not limited to: Asylum, Employment Authorizations, Naturalization, Adjustments of Status, VAWA petitions, TPS, Deferred Action, U and T visas, family-based petitions, and inadmissibility waivers

Provide client-centered legal referrals and follow-up support to ensure continuity of care and access to appropriate services

Deliver legal education and outreach presentations to clients and community members to enhance awareness of available legal services and immigrant rights

Collaborate with community-based health and human service providers to offer technical assistance, training, and timely referrals for immigrant clients and those affected by HIV

Support walk-in clients and help manage the immigration appointments calendar, ensuring timely follow-up and scheduling coordination

Maintain accurate and timely records of client services, legal outcomes, and progress notes using internal databases and dashboards

Ensure all client documentation meets funder and audit requirements and support internal data quality and validation efforts

Assist with preparing monthly and ad hoc reports to meet program deliverables and track outcomes

Monitor contract compliance by ensuring that all client charts are complete and contain required documentation in accordance with audit and funder standards

Ensure the Department remains audit-ready through consistent documentation practices and adherence to compliance protocols

Participate in funder site visits, audits, and program evaluations

Under the guidance of departmental leadership, assist in the supervision and mentoring of paralegal staff, interns, and fellows to support high-quality, holistic legal services

Provide consultation to peers and legal team members on case matters and evolving immigration law developments

Collaborate with legal and non-legal staff to address systemic issues affecting GMHC’s client population and contribute to policy discussions and strategic solutions

Qualification

Immigration law expertiseLegal representationClient-centered legal servicesCultural competencyCase management systemsFluency in SpanishTrauma-informed practiceMicrosoft Office proficiencyLegal education outreachCommunicationDocumentation skillsTeam collaboration

Required

A minimum of two to three (2-3) years of experience practicing immigration law, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights and protections of vulnerable populations

Strong knowledge of immigration law, legal procedures, and case strategy, particularly in humanitarian and family-based petitions

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders

Proven ability to manage a dynamic caseload independently, while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines

Demonstrated cultural competency in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, low-income communities, immigrants, racial minorities, and people living with disabilities

Fluency in both English and Spanish, sufficient to meet the linguistic needs of GMHC's client population

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Admission to practice law in New York State

Admitted or eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York

Active registration with the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA)

Ongoing compliance with New York State Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements and maintenance of good standing with the NYS Bar

Microsoft Office and Excel Proficiency

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including: Data tracking and analysis for case management and program performance. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets to monitor client progress and service deliverables. Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools to ensure documentation accuracy

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including: Outlook for email communications, calendar coordination, and client scheduling. Word for drafting legal documentation, formal correspondence, and grant-related reporting. PowerPoint for preparing outreach, training, or public education presentations

Experience using electronic case management and data tracking systems such as: Clio, TREAT, AWARDS, AIRS, eCOMPAS, or similar platforms used for client documentation and service delivery tracking

Strong documentation skills to maintain: Clear and accurate legal records, service notes, and case plans. Timely updates in accordance with HIPAA, organizational, and funder-specific confidentiality requirements