Immigration Attorney

 JOB SUMMARY

The immigration attorney is responsible for case management and legal representation of immigrants in their immigration cases before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or EOIR.  

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need. It is related to but separate from the diocese. Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ’s mission in Central Texas.  Some positions employed in Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct timely and thorough legal consultation on immigration cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits and provide legal advice to clients, assessing risks and benefits of any proposed course of action.
• Provide legal representation to immigrants before the USCIS, the EOIR, and/or, for Texas attorneys, in State court when necessary to support client’s immigration case.
• Serve as a referral source, by maintaining relationships with attorneys, non-profits, and other professionals when attorney assistance or other expertise is needed. 
• Evaluate facts, develop strategies and arguments, and engage in extensive legal writing of briefs and affidavits to prepare immigration cases in family-based immigration matters, adjustment of status, citizenship and naturalization, VAWA petitions, U      visa petitions and other immigration matters. 
• Maintain an organized high volume case load and manage special projects.
• Advice staff on legal matters, assign work to staff and conduct peer review of all cases filed.
• Participate as attendee and/or presenter on immigration workshops and trainings. 
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and skill in immigration laws and procedures. 
• Knowledge of State law, particularly in regard to juvenile and family court matters involving minors.
• Skill in an immigration program administration, including financial monitoring, grant compliances, policies and procedures and staff supervision.
• Skill in analytical research, strategical thinking and cultural sensitivity and awareness. 
• Ability to develop, manage, and work within the parameters of a program budget.
• Ability to proficiently write grant and contract.
• Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).
• Ability to execute efficiency on short-and long-term projects. 
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons. 
• Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders and community agencies). 
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25-county service region as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Trainings:

• Doctorate of Juris Prudence and current license to practice immigration law in the United States.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years representing clients before the EOIR and USCIS

Language:Preferred:

• Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient in conversing, writing, and reading).

Licenses/Certifications:

• Doctorate of Juris Prudence.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25 county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25-county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.