Immigration Attorney

Overview:
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is seeking an energetic and committed candidate to fill a vacancy for a full-time immigration attorney position in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa office. The primary role for this position is expected to provide quality, affordable legal services to immigrants in Northeast Iowa. The candidate must have a JD degree and be licensed to practice law, preferably in Iowa but can be licensed in any state. Prior immigration law experience and bilingual fluency (Spanish/English or French/English) are preferred but not required. We offer a competitive salary and professional development opportunities including Iowa bar membership fees, AILA membership, professional liability insurance and CLEs. Benefits include health, dental, life, disability insurance, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 10 paid holidays.

"We are an employer of and serve people of all faiths and backgrounds."

Job Summary:

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is committed to welcome immigrants and refugees into our churches and communities and provide affordable, high-quality legal services, education and advocacy. Immigration Attorneys provide services to include information and advice regarding immigration/legalization issues and specific case guidance and filings for those affected by these issues.

Catholic Social teaching is foundation to our work: The values of service, integrity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated in all aspects of work.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees are paid on a salary basis, based on the duties performed in a position, rather than by the hours worked.

Agency Mission, Vision & Values: Catholic Charities is the social service organization of the Archdiocese of Dubuque responding to persons in need according to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. All employees should possess an understanding and commitment to these foundational principles Catholic Social Teachings | Dubuque, IA. We envision a community that works to strengthen families, reduce poverty and empower communities. The values of service, integrity, dignity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated by all employees.

Duties:

• Assesses immigration needs of clients and determine eligibility for available immigration relief or benefits,
• Provides information and referral services when appropriate
• Informs clients about the requirements related to applying for various immigration status and status changes.
• Assists clients with applications (paperwork, forms, and translation) for immigration relief
• Provide legal services to unaccompanied minors in the Archdiocese of Dubuque;
• Provide legal services that require immigration court representation such as removal defense (asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, etc.);
• Provide general immigration legal services, in collaboration with community partners to expand on-site presence in additional Archdiocesan communities;
• Provide immigration legal services to Temporary Non-Immigrant Religious Workers in the Archdiocese of Dubuque;
• Translate immigration and related documents if applicable
• Collects fees from clients, issues receipts, notates in database and deposits revenues as per policy manual
• Receive referrals from Hispanic Ministry, parish staff and community partners by providing consultation when requested
• Maintains membership with Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) to receive legal information and conformity to the legal parameters advised by CLINIC
• Provides awareness training for Archdiocesan staff, deanery/pastoral staff and human service/public personnel to facilitate a welcoming environment for immigrants and refugees
• Maintains and updates case notes and case files regularly in physical file and client database system (LawLogix)
• Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential case files
• Complete all project paperwork in a timely manner
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school required
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state and in good standing required– preferably Iowa
• 1-3 years immigration law experience
• Knowledge of immigration processes and regulations
• Prefer bilingual fluency in Spanish/English, French/English, or other languages - ability to be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing
• Prior experience working in the area of immigration law, specifically removal defense preferred
• Have reliable transportation. Business related travel will be reimbursed.
• Possess a dedication to advancing the mission and strategic plan of Catholic Charities and an understanding of the scope of services Catholic Charities provides and ability to effectively communicate this to stakeholders (ie. clients, community partners, parishes, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Able to work with people of varying religious, cultural and linguistic backgrounds;
• Demonstrated commitment to working in public interest in immigration or related areas in a non-profit setting;
• Occasional evening and weekend work hours
• Ability to interact with the public and representatives of other service providers in a professional manner
• Sensitive to the needs of limited-income and culturally diverse client population
• Demonstrate professional ethics and leadership.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills
• Proficient computer and or technology skills

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person