Managing Attorney/Accredited Representative, Immigration Legal Services

Supervise the staff and activities of the Immigration Legal Services and provide direct representation for refugees and immigrants in the immigration process. Serves as the subject matter expert on immigration and legal policies for JVS, both internally for staff and programs as well as externally in the community.

• Provides direct representation to clients on affirmative cases and defensive cases identified during consultations
• Prepares applications and represents clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals
• Applies appropriate techniques and standards in program development, service delivery and case management in providing legal representation, advice and referral to individuals and families in the area of immigration law.
• Maintain knowledge of current immigration law and procedure, research unique legal issues by identifying applicable statutes and judicial decisions and develop solutions to complex legal questions

Supervisory

• Direct supervision of a team of legal practitioners including attorneys, Department of Justice accredited representatives and paralegals.
• Provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans.

Internal/External Relations

• Conduct outreach and make presentations about the program and how immigration policies impact the JVS and larger KC community
• Maintain good relationships with community partners including USCIS office, Legal Aid, local attorneys, grant funders and other stakeholders

Administrative

• Oversee implementation of grants, maintain appropriate grant-related data and collaborate with grants staff to submit reports, grant renewals, and other grant-related information
• Ensure accurate, timely and thorough documentation of services
• Produce regular reports and utilize program statistics to monitor and evaluate services and outcomes. Recommends, develops, and implements improvements as appropriate.
• Monitor financial standing of the program.

Other Duties As Assigned

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience providing immigration services as an attorney, Department of Justice-accredited representative or paralegal. If applicant does not currently hold a J.D. or DOJ accreditation, they must apply for DOJ accreditation within 3 months of start.
• At least 1-3 years of work experience working with immigrants and/or low-income populations required
• At least 1-3 years in a supervisory role preferred
• Bilingual preferred in Spanish/Swahili/Arabic/Somali
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong writing and demonstrated intercultural communication ability
• Valid driver’s license

Skills Needed

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines; able to effectively prioritize, delegate, and execute multiple tasks.
• Ability to be self-directed and highly flexible in daily work.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with both internal and external collaborators.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs and internet-based communication.