Unaccompanied Children’S Program Staff Attorney

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job - you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $68,000 + Benefits (that currently include):

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $40/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Detained Children Project Staff Attorney, with support from CIRI's Director of Immigration Legal Services provides program supervision and support as well as direct legal services to unaccompanied children who are in removal proceedings in Immigration Court and who are or were in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in shelter placement in Connecticut.

LOCATION: Stamford, CT with travel in lower Fairfield County

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the program in coordination with the Managing Attorney
• Conduct oversight of visits to government detention facilities.
• Ensure that program deliverables are completed and documented as required under the program contract
• Ensure that required Know-Your-Rights and Court Preparation presentations are delivered correctly and efficiently.
• Conduct oversight of visits of ORR facilities for minors detained in Connecticut.
• Provide necessary follow-up after intakes to evaluate eligibility for relief, including performing research securing criminal/juvenile delinquency records and obtaining additional information from family and community members.
• Take on direct representation for detained and released minors before the Hartford immigration court.
• Appear in state courts seeking predicate orders for children seeking SIJS.
• Appear before USCIS representing children seeking asylum during asylum interviews.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records. Ensures timely entry of all statistical data into databases/servers.
• Participate in training on immigration law and procedures as assigned by legal supervisors. May conduct trainings as assigned by legal supervisors, as well.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• J.D. or LLM and license to practice law in CT OR willingness to waive in.
• Prior experience in immigration or child welfare law preferred (this could include law school coursework or clinical experience)
• Prior experience working with youth, trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred
• Spanish fluency required: the candidate must possess sufficient fluency to work directly with clients on all aspects of legal representation without using an interpreter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management and internet
• Ability to work in a team of diverse professionals and social service workers
• Ability to drive and possession a valid U.S. driver's license
• Commitment to the agency's core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at DSchwarz@cirict.org to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.