Staff Attorney

This is a part time position. This position will primarily be providing legal services to low-income undocumented immigrants. All will be living at/below 100% FPL and will be inclusive of UIM, LGBTQ+ individuals especially TGNC people, PEH, and any undocumented immigrant victimized by DV, sexual assault or human trafficking.

The Staff Attorney provides consultation & professional representation at hearings or courts on issues such as protection orders, family law, immigration, housing/tenancy, public benefits, education and employment; provides legal training and Know Your Rights Workshops to staff and clients. SJCH serves largely disenfranchised communities – individuals and families living in poverty: immigrants (both documented and undocumented); Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other People of Color; LGBTQ+; victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system; and disenfranchised youth.

Staff Attorneys are hired to provide legal representation to patients served under various grant funded programs, and are expected to hold specific and general expertise in one or more areas of civil law, or in assisting patients with the lingering effects of involvement with the criminal justice system during and post incarceration. 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Experience, & Knowledge

• Admission to the California State Bar and be in good standing.
• Fluency in Spanish is essential.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of the vulnerable population served.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience, with a focus on immigration, family law, and/or civil matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to engage with diverse community members and convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.
• Commitment to public interest law: Passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting social justice.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Empathy and compassion for individuals facing legal challenges and a commitment to providing high-quality services.
• Flexibility to travel to various outreach locations and work occasional evenings or weekends is required.
• Proficiency in legal research, document preparation, and case management software is necessary.
• Knowledge of community resources and experience in community outreach is beneficial.
• Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a combination, but not necessarily all, of the following duties:

 Provide counsel and advice to victims of crimes regarding their legal rights.

• Work with social service team who provide Victim Advocacy, including in the Transgender Health Program.
• Assist clients advocating for victim compensation benefits as needed.
• Assist clients with legal service needs stemming from the violence they experienced as the victim of a crime.
• Screen clients for potential immigration relief (primarily U Visas) and represent before the USCIS, and if applicable the EOIR.
• Assist clients in pro per or represent, as appropriate, with obtaining Civil Harassment Restraining Orders.
• Assist clients with employment or housing issues stemming from crimes committed at work or at their home.
• Provide Know Your Rights Workshops for victims of crimes.
• Assist with the development of an outreach plan to the St. John’s patient community and surrounding communities regarding the services offered by St. John’s to crime victims.
• Attend meetings of various St. John’s partners and advocacy organizations for victims of crimes
• Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed; and 

• Assist victims of crimes in filing police reports, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
• Guide clients through the process of obtaining victim's compensation benefits, advocating for their rights and ensuring access to necessary resources.
• Work closely with support staff to streamline administrative processes and enhance overall client support.
• Prepare reporting measures for funders on a regular schedule.
• Conduct local area travel for outreach purposes, connecting with the community and ensuring that individuals are aware of available legal services.
• Provide Legal Services education to SJCH clinic staff and program staff.
• Given capacity limits, also provide legal services to patients of St John’s not qualified for grant services.

St. John’s Community Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer