Supervising Immigration Advocate, Immigration Legal Services – Affirmative Services

Position Title: Supervising Immigration Advocate

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Immigration Legal Services – Affirmative Services

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Exempt

Work Setting: Fully Onsite

Reports To: Directing Attorney

Pay Range: $72,000 - $85,000/year

Total Compensation:  

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• 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

Position Overview: 

The Supervising Immigration Advocate will be responsible for overseeing the program, casework, and team members of the Affirmative Services program in addition to providing direct representation for clients in immigration cases before USCIS and EOIR while helping to support the broader efforts of the ILSD. Supervision of interns, post-bar clerks, and law students working on cases before the immigration court may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct legal representation to JFS-ILSD clients in complex immigration cases for ongoing professional development including representation before the various DHS agencies (USCIS, AAO, CBP, BP, ICE, EOIR, and BIA), while helping to support the broader efforts of the JFS-ILSD team and maintain an excellent track record of providing immigration legal services
• Supervision and review of the legal work of accredited representatives (Immigration Specialist) and other team members in the Affirmative Services program who provide direct assistance and legal representation in defensive and affirmative cases, including appeals
• Conduct weekly individual check-ins and case management support with Immigration Specialist and other team members
• Assigning work and providing guidance to Immigration Specialists and other team members on how to prepare cases, conduct legal research, provide guidance and instruction on complex cases, and final review before filing cases
• Provide legal supervision and guidance to other ILSD programs staff as needed
• Develop procedures and guidance in coordination with Managing Attorney and Department Directors to promote the JFS-ILSD mission and protect Affirmative Services potential clients and clients from legal malpractice
• Design, oversee and provide accurate legal orientation, presentations, and education regarding immigration legal rights, and a range of other immigration legal issues faced by members of the low-income immigrant communities in San Diego County
• Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies and ensure all those working on the Affirmative Services program are briefed and operate under the most current up-to-date immigration laws and policies
• Along with Managing Attorney, ensure correct legal analysis and implementation of legal strategies of all complex questions of law related to representation, ineligibility for relief, and the declining of services
• Comply with JFS-ILSD and agency wide policies and procedures, data and case management policies and procedures, and program reporting requirements and ensure all those working on the Affirmative Services program are up-to-date and following internal policies and procedures
• Ensure the team is complying with HR policies and procedures
• Participate in program audits (internal and by funders), grant reporting of program and contribute to timely and accurate completion of grant funding applications
• Create and maintain a positive teamwork atmosphere within the team and externally
• Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney and Directors

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law as a fully DOJ Accredited Representative
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a supervisor role
• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive off-site as required
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills, attention to detail and professional attitude
• Excellent supervisory interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills and professional attitude
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Passion for social justice for immigrants
• Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
• Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants
• Willing to cover other staff as needed
• Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft software including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, Adobe, and Zoom

Skills/Abilities We’d Like You to Have:

• Speaking another language such as Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Portuguese, Haitian Creole or French are a plus but not required

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• Travel may be required for conferences, client meetings, court hearings, or community events
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen
• The employee frequently needs to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, handle documents, and reach for the telephone or other office equipment
• The work environment has a moderate noise level, requiring the ability to concentrate and maintain good auditory perception
• The employee must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as needed. ding leg and spine
• Reaching – Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any directions

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Important Notice:

Please submit your resume and cover letter on your application.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community.  For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving.  At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency.  We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect.  Our goal is your success.  Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together.  To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org. 

*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Salary : $72,000 - $85,000