Crime Survivors Program Staff Attorney

Title: Crime Survivors Program Staff Attorney

Reports To: Supervising Attorney

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 that 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 one attorney to provide direct representation to non-citizens seeking benefits before USCIS and EOIR. This position will primarily serve who have experienced victimization such as assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other violent crimes. .

Duties /Responsibilities

• • Provide comprehensive intakes, advice and counsel and direct representation before USCIS.
  • Ensure contract compliance, including submitting monthly reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required.
  • Work closely with stakeholders, such as USCIS, EOIR, DHS and/or ORR to maintain a positive working relationship, and ensure that participants’ needs are met.
  • Participate in trainings, calls and meetings with funders and technical assistance providers to stay up-to-date with new legal and programmatic developments.
  • Attend outreach events to reach community members.
  • May require managing a 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, i.e. Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.

Requirements and Skills

• • U.S. law license, current and in good standing; Texas licensure is preferred.
  • Fluency in an additional language is preferred.
  • Experience in immigration law is preferred, significant law school experience may be considered.
  • Advanced legal research and writing skills.
  • 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 may be required for this position.

Outcomes

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

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides the following:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Generous and flexible PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long term disability, basic life insurance, and other voluntary benefits
• 403 (B) retirement plan
• Free YMCA membership
• Loan repayment assistance may be available

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides Equal Employment Opportunities for employment to all employees and applicants, including disability and protected veteran status.