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Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights · 2 weeks ago

Staff Attorney, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$72K/yr - $82K/yr

The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is a national organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights and best interests of immigrant children in the United States. The Staff Attorney will engage in advocacy for children in immigration removal proceedings and supervise volunteer Child Advocates, applying legal knowledge to ensure the protection of children's rights.

ConsultingLegalNon Profit

Responsibilities

Advocate for children’s best interests before government or other interested parties

Supervise volunteers appointed as Child Advocate for unaccompanied and separated children in federal custody in or near Grand Rapids and across the United States as needed

Serve as Child Advocate to a limited number of cases or as needed

Visit children as needed and communicate with caregivers, family members and stakeholders

Provide internal case consultation and case support involving the state, federal, and international best interests legal principles and immigration law for the Grand Rapids office

Support the local and national efforts to recruit, train, support, and retain volunteer Child Advocates

Participate in internal and external working groups

Meet regularly with local stakeholders (government field staff, facility staff, immigration judges, ICE officers, and legal service providers); collaborate on presentations to local stakeholders; attend case staffings or other stakeholder meetings; and speak about the Child Advocate Program at local, regional, and national events

Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders or organizations in the community

Assist the team in meeting case goals and other deliverables for the government contract and private grants

Capture accurate and timely data management to inform reports to the government, other funders, and internal Young Center departments regarding children served, case outcomes, program metrics, and current trends

Participate in a supportive, collaborative work culture that allows for creative, thoughtful, high-quality, and effective interdisciplinary advocacy

In collaboration with the site Managing Social Worker and/or Deputy Program Director (Social Worker), consult with social worker colleagues to develop child-centered advocacy through a trauma-informed lens that identifies and advocates for the best interests of unaccompanied and separated children

Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and with input from the Deputy Program Directors (Attorney and Social Worker), draft and submit best interests determinations to immigration judges, asylum officers, attorneys, and federal agencies, applying state, federal, and international law and incorporating social science research and social work best practices, including, but not limited to trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches

Actively engage with colleagues and supervisors in developing and editing interdisciplinary best interests determinations

Accompany children to court hearings and interviews related to their immigration case

Under the supervision of the Deputy Program Director (Social Worker), assess which children may need additional supportive and/or mental health services and accompany them to appointments as needed

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

J.D.Legal licenseLegal analysisMediation skillsNegotiation skillsCase managementBilingual (English/Spanish)Effective communicationOrganizational skillsInterdisciplinary teamworkCultural sensitivityDiversityInclusionMicrosoft OfficeWillingness to learn technologyWriting skillsAdaptabilityCommitment to feedback

Required

J.D. and license to practice law or ability to acquire license within the first year of employment

Generally, has prior experience working with children and/or youth, trauma survivors, or migrant/refugees/unaccompanied children to demonstrate an understanding of the population we serve. This may be first-hand experience or demonstrated interest in the field (coursework, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc.)

Legal analysis, negotiation, and mediation skills

Effective communication skills, including ability to liaise with various stakeholders, colleagues, and volunteers

Excellent case management skills

High-level organizational skills

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and proactively address case needs

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively as part of an interdisciplinary team

Ability to work in a flexible, evolving environment, adapt to situations, and manage change effectively

Commitment to a comprehensive culture of feedback, including seeking and providing positive and constructive feedback and engaging in productive conversations

Commitment to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or anti-racism principles

Ability to effectively engage across different culture, identities, and ethnicities

Strong writing skills

Aptitude and thoughtfulness in working with children and promoting child-centered advocacy

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and willingness to learn new technology and/or platforms

Bilingual ability (oral and written) in English/Spanish or English/ other languages spoken by the population we serve

Valid driver's license and access to a car

Preferred

Lived experience that lends insight into supporting immigrant children and their families

Understanding of the impact of trauma on children and familiarity with a trauma-informed approach to advocacy

Background and/or demonstrated interest in immigration law, juvenile law, or other areas of law impacting children

Benefits

Health/dental/vision insurance (employee & dependents) at no cost to the employee

Paid vacation

Sick time

401(k) plan with employer match

Company

Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children.

Founded in 2003