Unaccompanied Children Program Supervising Attorney

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)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The UCP Staff Attorney/Supervisor, 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. 

Salary: $90,000

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the program in coordination with Director of Immigration Legal Services.
• 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 and supervise 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 assigned by legal supervisor. May conduct trainings as assigned by legal supervisor, as well.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• J.D. degree and License to practice law in Connecticut.
• 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 a plus
• 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.