Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Staff Attorney, Higher Education Legal Services
Jewish Family Service of San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Staff Attorney, Higher Education Legal Services
Position Title : Staff Attorney – Higher Education Legal Services
Organization : Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Department : Immigration Legal Services
Position Type : Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Exempt
Work Setting : Fully Onsite
Reports To : Directing Attorney Higher Education and Affinity Services
Pay Range : $74,000-$82,000/year
Total Compensation :
In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:
Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees Employer-covered life insurance
Time Away from Work :
Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:
Paid vacation time and sick leave 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness
Position Overview Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is a Department of Justice-recognized provider of immigration legal services and a key refugee resettlement agency in San Diego County. As co-lead of the Immigration Legal Services Coalition of San Diego (ILSC), JFS plays a critical role in coordinating rapid-response efforts and delivering legal support for vulnerable noncitizens impacted by immigration enforcement.
Serving low-income and vulnerable immigrants across San Diego and Imperial Counties, JFS offers legal representation and support tailored to each client’s needs. Services include removal defense, humanitarian relief, family-based petitions, naturalization, and administrative remedies. JFS provides representation before USCIS, ICE, CBP, and Immigration Courts, as well as in select cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal courts, and San Diego Superior Court.
JFS also leads the Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) program, supporting immigrant and refugee students, faculty, and staff at two California State Universities and ten regional community colleges. Beyond direct services, JFS engages in advocacy to advance the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees throughout the region.
Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, Lead Staff Attorney, or experienced Staff Attorney, the Staff Attorney for the Higher Education Legal Services program will be responsible for the following:
Conduct immigration legal screenings and comprehensive consultations to identify potential immigration benefits, defenses, inadmissibility issues, and related risks
Provide eligibility and risk assessments for individuals and families seeking immigration representation before DHS, EOIR, and state courts, as needed
Prepare and file immigration applications and pleadings before USCIS, EOIR, ICE, Border Patrol (BP), CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO), and state and/or federal district courts
Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients regarding case status, developments, and next steps
Coordinate, document, and manage all client communications in accordance with program standards
Ensure compliance with data collection, case tracking, and program reporting requirements
Manage and coordinate a full caseload of active immigration matters effectively and efficiently
Develop, review, and deliver Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness trainings and presentations for the HELS community and the broader community
Participate in community outreach efforts, including workshops, information sessions, and campus- and community-based events
Under the supervision of removal defense attorneys, provide emergency and non-emergency removal defense and enforcement representation for HELS affiliates, AS, and the ILSC, including representation before CBP, BP, ICE, USCIS, and Immigration Courts nationwide (including San Diego, Imperial and Otay Mesa)
Support the immigration legal team—including DOJ-accredited representatives, pro bono attorneys, and staff—through case support, collaboration, and mentorship
Supervise assigned staff and ensure supervisees fulfill all job-related responsibilities
Stay current on rapidly evolving immigration laws, policies, and procedures
Perform additional case management, administrative, and program support duties as required
Must-Have Skills/Experience/Abilities Key qualifications and abilities required for this position include:
Law graduate
Licensed to practice law in California preferred, but we will consider candidates with license to practice law in one of the 50 U.S. states
Experience handling complex legal issues affecting low-income immigrant populations
Strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities
Demonstrated commitment to providing culturally competent, trauma-informed legal services to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County, Imperial County, and the broader San Diego border region, including but not limited to Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico
Willingness to complete extensive immigration law–focused legal training and required biannual ethics trainings
Minimum of one (1) year of immigration legal experience
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal communication and active listening
Detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to produce high-quality oral and written work in English
Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain case and program data
Strong relational skills and consistently professional demeanor
Proven abilities in case management, legal research, and legal writing
Demonstrated willingness and ability to zealously advocate for and defend the rights of immigrants
Ability to take initiative and perform effectively under pressure
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced, fluid environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Program and project management experience, including successful supervisory experience, preferred
Genuine passion for the organization’s mission and work
Desired Skills/Abilities
Ability to travel locally within San Diego and Imperial Counties
Multilingual abilities, including English/Arabic, Spanish, Farsi, Haitian Creole, and/or Portuguese
Experience working with detained immigrants or other incarcerated populations
Experience working with migrants from diverse countries of origin, particularly from Central America and Mexico
Experience working with marginalized communities and survivors of trauma
Demonstrated dedication to serving immigrant communities, with a sincere commitment to advocating for low-income immigrants
Physical Requirements
Evening and weekend work will be required when we conduct workshops
Travel may be required for conferences, outreach meetings, or community events
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen
The employee frequently needs to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, handle documents, and reach for the telephone or other office equipment
The work environment has a moderate noise level, requiring the ability to concentrate and maintain good auditory perception
The employee must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as needed
Please submit your resume and cover letter on your application.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community. For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving. At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency. We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is your success. Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together. To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org.
*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Organization : Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Department : Immigration Legal Services
Position Type : Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Exempt
Work Setting : Fully Onsite
Reports To : Directing Attorney Higher Education and Affinity Services
Pay Range : $74,000-$82,000/year
Total Compensation :
In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:
Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees Employer-covered life insurance
Time Away from Work :
Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:
Paid vacation time and sick leave 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness
Position Overview Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is a Department of Justice-recognized provider of immigration legal services and a key refugee resettlement agency in San Diego County. As co-lead of the Immigration Legal Services Coalition of San Diego (ILSC), JFS plays a critical role in coordinating rapid-response efforts and delivering legal support for vulnerable noncitizens impacted by immigration enforcement.
Serving low-income and vulnerable immigrants across San Diego and Imperial Counties, JFS offers legal representation and support tailored to each client’s needs. Services include removal defense, humanitarian relief, family-based petitions, naturalization, and administrative remedies. JFS provides representation before USCIS, ICE, CBP, and Immigration Courts, as well as in select cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal courts, and San Diego Superior Court.
JFS also leads the Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) program, supporting immigrant and refugee students, faculty, and staff at two California State Universities and ten regional community colleges. Beyond direct services, JFS engages in advocacy to advance the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees throughout the region.
Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, Lead Staff Attorney, or experienced Staff Attorney, the Staff Attorney for the Higher Education Legal Services program will be responsible for the following:
Conduct immigration legal screenings and comprehensive consultations to identify potential immigration benefits, defenses, inadmissibility issues, and related risks
Provide eligibility and risk assessments for individuals and families seeking immigration representation before DHS, EOIR, and state courts, as needed
Prepare and file immigration applications and pleadings before USCIS, EOIR, ICE, Border Patrol (BP), CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO), and state and/or federal district courts
Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients regarding case status, developments, and next steps
Coordinate, document, and manage all client communications in accordance with program standards
Ensure compliance with data collection, case tracking, and program reporting requirements
Manage and coordinate a full caseload of active immigration matters effectively and efficiently
Develop, review, and deliver Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness trainings and presentations for the HELS community and the broader community
Participate in community outreach efforts, including workshops, information sessions, and campus- and community-based events
Under the supervision of removal defense attorneys, provide emergency and non-emergency removal defense and enforcement representation for HELS affiliates, AS, and the ILSC, including representation before CBP, BP, ICE, USCIS, and Immigration Courts nationwide (including San Diego, Imperial and Otay Mesa)
Support the immigration legal team—including DOJ-accredited representatives, pro bono attorneys, and staff—through case support, collaboration, and mentorship
Supervise assigned staff and ensure supervisees fulfill all job-related responsibilities
Stay current on rapidly evolving immigration laws, policies, and procedures
Perform additional case management, administrative, and program support duties as required
Must-Have Skills/Experience/Abilities Key qualifications and abilities required for this position include:
Law graduate
Licensed to practice law in California preferred, but we will consider candidates with license to practice law in one of the 50 U.S. states
Experience handling complex legal issues affecting low-income immigrant populations
Strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities
Demonstrated commitment to providing culturally competent, trauma-informed legal services to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County, Imperial County, and the broader San Diego border region, including but not limited to Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico
Willingness to complete extensive immigration law–focused legal training and required biannual ethics trainings
Minimum of one (1) year of immigration legal experience
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal communication and active listening
Detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to produce high-quality oral and written work in English
Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain case and program data
Strong relational skills and consistently professional demeanor
Proven abilities in case management, legal research, and legal writing
Demonstrated willingness and ability to zealously advocate for and defend the rights of immigrants
Ability to take initiative and perform effectively under pressure
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced, fluid environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Program and project management experience, including successful supervisory experience, preferred
Genuine passion for the organization’s mission and work
Desired Skills/Abilities
Ability to travel locally within San Diego and Imperial Counties
Multilingual abilities, including English/Arabic, Spanish, Farsi, Haitian Creole, and/or Portuguese
Experience working with detained immigrants or other incarcerated populations
Experience working with migrants from diverse countries of origin, particularly from Central America and Mexico
Experience working with marginalized communities and survivors of trauma
Demonstrated dedication to serving immigrant communities, with a sincere commitment to advocating for low-income immigrants
Physical Requirements
Evening and weekend work will be required when we conduct workshops
Travel may be required for conferences, outreach meetings, or community events
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen
The employee frequently needs to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, handle documents, and reach for the telephone or other office equipment
The work environment has a moderate noise level, requiring the ability to concentrate and maintain good auditory perception
The employee must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as needed
Please submit your resume and cover letter on your application.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community. For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving. At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency. We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is your success. Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together. To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org.
*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr