Church World Service
Associate Director of Immigration Legal Services
Church World Service, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Overview
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Associate Director of Immigration Legal Services
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Church World Service . Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone\'s life. At CWS, our team makes a difference every day, supporting refugees, asylees, unaccompanied children, and immigrant communities through legal services, outreach, and advocacy. Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Direct Service: Conduct eligibility screenings for refugee and asylee applicants for immigration benefits; conduct intake interviews and assist clients in completing immigration applications (e.g., I-485, I-730, N-400); compile accurate application packets with required documents; negotiate with USCIS and local offices to resolve client issues; conduct legal research and prepare filings, including responses to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence, FOIA requests, and related papers. Personnel Management: Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Immigration Legal Services staff, volunteers, and interns; oversee core services such as legal screenings and court preparation for children referred by ORR/Vera Institute; develop policies and documentation for the program; coordinate ongoing training to meet contract, DOJ, and state Bar requirements; manage case lists and files; provide financial oversight (budgets and reporting); assist the Area Director with program requirements, data tracking, grant renewals, and resource development; foster staffing pipelines with local universities and law schools; identify barriers to accessing benefits and advocate for clients; coordinate outreach to refugee communities; stay current on immigration laws and procedures and contribute to local and national advocacy; participate in trainings to maintain credentials; manage client appointments and ensure professional representation; report issues promptly; represent the program at meetings and events; undertake other duties as assigned. Additional Duties: Maintain liaison with Area Director to develop strategic plans for the Houston Immigration Legal Services Program and support resource development under leadership guidance. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Partial/Full Accreditation with the Department of Justice required. J.D. strongly preferred. Experience
Minimum 7 years’ experience providing legal services for refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants. Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a program management position. Skills
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Commitment to and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee. Special Requirements
The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks. Benefits
403(b) Retirement Plan Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Generous Paid Time Off (18 paid days off; 24 days after 2 years) 14 official holidays 12 sick days off (accrued monthly) Life Insurance and AD&D Long Term and Short-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Accounts
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Join to apply for the
Associate Director of Immigration Legal Services
role at
Church World Service . Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone\'s life. At CWS, our team makes a difference every day, supporting refugees, asylees, unaccompanied children, and immigrant communities through legal services, outreach, and advocacy. Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Direct Service: Conduct eligibility screenings for refugee and asylee applicants for immigration benefits; conduct intake interviews and assist clients in completing immigration applications (e.g., I-485, I-730, N-400); compile accurate application packets with required documents; negotiate with USCIS and local offices to resolve client issues; conduct legal research and prepare filings, including responses to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence, FOIA requests, and related papers. Personnel Management: Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Immigration Legal Services staff, volunteers, and interns; oversee core services such as legal screenings and court preparation for children referred by ORR/Vera Institute; develop policies and documentation for the program; coordinate ongoing training to meet contract, DOJ, and state Bar requirements; manage case lists and files; provide financial oversight (budgets and reporting); assist the Area Director with program requirements, data tracking, grant renewals, and resource development; foster staffing pipelines with local universities and law schools; identify barriers to accessing benefits and advocate for clients; coordinate outreach to refugee communities; stay current on immigration laws and procedures and contribute to local and national advocacy; participate in trainings to maintain credentials; manage client appointments and ensure professional representation; report issues promptly; represent the program at meetings and events; undertake other duties as assigned. Additional Duties: Maintain liaison with Area Director to develop strategic plans for the Houston Immigration Legal Services Program and support resource development under leadership guidance. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Partial/Full Accreditation with the Department of Justice required. J.D. strongly preferred. Experience
Minimum 7 years’ experience providing legal services for refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants. Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a program management position. Skills
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Commitment to and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee. Special Requirements
The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks. Benefits
403(b) Retirement Plan Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Generous Paid Time Off (18 paid days off; 24 days after 2 years) 14 official holidays 12 sick days off (accrued monthly) Life Insurance and AD&D Long Term and Short-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Accounts
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