Title: Immigration Attorney

Reports To: Supervising Attorney
Pay: $71,260.80 - $85,512.96 annually plus full YMCA benefits, Exempt

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm, may include early mornings

Description YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the Y of Greater Houston and seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive programs that focus on building human assets and fostering self-sufficiency. The YMCA International Services seeks two attorneys to provide legal services and direct representation to Unaccompanied Children in the Houston area.

• The Unaccompanied Children Program’s (UCP) goal is to provide high quality legal services to minors detained in HHS/ORR detention facilities and released in and around Houston, Texas. Through this program, legal staff provide child-friendly legal rights presentations and direct representation for children who have been designated as unaccompanied minors. The attorney’s job will include the following tasks:
  • Ensure contract compliance, including submitting monthly reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required.
  • Provide high-quality, child-friendly services, including: Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations, individual screenings, direct representation for detained and locally released children, referrals post-release and pro bono referrals.
  • Work closely with stakeholders (such as ORR and shelter staff) to maintain a positive working relationship, and ensure that the children’s needs are being met.
  • Participate in trainings, calls and meetings with funders and technical assistance providers to stay up-to-date with new legal and programmatic developments.
• Provide intake, advice and counseling, and direct legal representation to clients in immigration matters in detained settings. Direct representation includes providing Friend of Court services, and representing clients before the Immigration Court and state courts, and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
• Manage a heavy caseload with complex immigration issues.

• Coordinate client services with case managers, supervising attorney, and legal interns.
• Organize and maintain client files and data for reporting purposes.
• Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and legal trainings.
• Collaborate with other agencies, stakeholders, and service providers to procure client services and network with like-minded organizations.
• Provide mentorship and trainings in order to recruit and train pro bono attorneys.
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees and food pantry distribution.

• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance. Example includes but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.

Requirements and Skills

• A current bar membership in good standing; Texas licensure is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred; training and support provided for non-Spanish fluent candidates who are willing and committed to attaining fluency in the language.
• D. from ABA certified law school or international equivalent.
• Experience in immigration law is preferred. Law school experience will be considered.
• Advanced legal research and writing skills.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, client interviewing abilities, and an appreciation of multicultural experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time and resources.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others, to work under pressure and handle a large volume of consultations, clients, and data, and highly self-motivated.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
• Texas Driver’s License; clean driving record; own vehicle; applicable auto insurance. Candidate must be willing to commute to detention facilities and shelters (45 minutes to 1.5 hours away).
• Federal government clearance is required for this position.

Outcomes

• Provide holistic, person-centered representation to unaccompanied children, including timely assistance in the preparation of applications for relief.
• Timely prepare and submit monthly and quarterly reports;
• Maintain an active caseload of approximately 35-40 clients per year.
• Meet monthly case goals for intake and filing of applications as set by direct Supervisor.

The YMCA of Greater Houston has outstanding benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, and retirement paid by our Association upon meeting eligibility requirements.

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.