Jewish Family Service of San Diego · 4 hours ago
Staff Attorney, Higher Education Legal Services
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$74K/yr - $82K/yr
1+ years expJewish Family Service of San Diego is a Department of Justice-recognized provider of immigration legal services and a key refugee resettlement agency in San Diego County. The Staff Attorney for the Higher Education Legal Services program will conduct immigration legal screenings, provide representation for vulnerable noncitizens, and support immigrant students and faculty at local universities and community colleges.
ConsultingCustomer ServiceFacilities Support ServicesFitnessHealth CareWellness
Responsibilities
Conduct immigration legal screenings and comprehensive consultations to identify potential immigration benefits, defenses, inadmissibility issues, and related risks
Provide eligibility and risk assessments for individuals and families seeking immigration representation before DHS, EOIR, and state courts, as needed
Prepare and file immigration applications and pleadings before USCIS, EOIR, ICE, Border Patrol (BP), CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO), and state and/or federal district courts
Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients regarding case status, developments, and next steps
Coordinate, document, and manage all client communications in accordance with program standards
Ensure compliance with data collection, case tracking, and program reporting requirements
Manage and coordinate a full caseload of active immigration matters effectively and efficiently
Develop, review, and deliver Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness trainings and presentations for the HELS community and the broader community
Participate in community outreach efforts, including workshops, information sessions, and campus- and community-based events
Under the supervision of removal defense attorneys, provide emergency and non-emergency removal defense and enforcement representation for HELS affiliates, AS, and the ILSC, including representation before CBP, BP, ICE, USCIS, and Immigration Courts nationwide (including San Diego, Imperial and Otay Mesa)
Support the immigration legal team—including DOJ-accredited representatives, pro bono attorneys, and staff—through case support, collaboration, and mentorship
Supervise assigned staff and ensure supervisees fulfill all job-related responsibilities
Stay current on rapidly evolving immigration laws, policies, and procedures
Perform additional case management, administrative, and program support duties as required
Qualification
Required
Law graduate
Licensed to practice law in California preferred, but we will consider candidates with license to practice law in one of the 50 U.S. states
Experience handling complex legal issues affecting low-income immigrant populations
Strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities
Demonstrated commitment to providing culturally competent, trauma-informed legal services to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County, Imperial County, and the broader San Diego border region, including but not limited to Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico
Willingness to complete extensive immigration law–focused legal training and required biannual ethics trainings
Minimum of one (1) year of immigration legal experience
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal communication and active listening
Detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to produce high-quality oral and written work in English
Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain case and program data
Strong relational skills and consistently professional demeanor
Proven abilities in case management, legal research, and legal writing
Demonstrated willingness and ability to zealously advocate for and defend the rights of immigrants
Ability to take initiative and perform effectively under pressure
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced, fluid environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Preferred
Program and project management experience, including successful supervisory experience
Genuine passion for the organization's mission and work
Benefits
Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
Generous employer 401(k) contributions
Employer-covered life insurance
Paid vacation time and sick leave
15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness
Company
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
JFS is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient san diego.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.1MKey Investors
San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
2023-07-06Grant· $0.1M
Leadership Team
Michael Hopkins
Chief Executive Officer
Guin Kerstetter
CFO
Recent News
San Diego Union-Tribune
2024-05-23
Company data provided by crunchbase