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Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Immigration Services Attorney

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199

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Job Title: Immigration Services Attorney

Department: Immigration Services

Reports To: Director of Immigration Services

FLSA Status: Exempt, 1.0 FTE

Salary Range: $80,000 - $82,000 Annually

Organization Description Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. We are an innovative and responsive organization that is committed to advancing the lives of New Americans. Our service areas include Education Programs, Workforce Training, Immigration Services, and Refugee Resettlement. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, who are dedicated to educating the community and influencing positive outcomes for New Americans. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, helping them secure meaningful employment, supporting them as they purchase their first home, and assisting them in becoming United States Citizens and valued members of the community.

Purpose IIMN is seeking a full-time immigration attorney to join our growing Immigration Services Team. IIMN is committed to providing accessible, low-cost legal services for immigrants and refugees, particularly in complex and challenging immigration cases. Approximately 70% of IIMN households earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and look to IIMN for trustworthy and accessible legal services at a nominal fee. To advance this objective, we are expanding our legal team by hiring an additional Immigration Services Attorney. This role will help ensure that individuals facing difficult immigration issues receive high-quality, affordable representation, and support. The immigration attorney will provide immigration consultations, represent clients in complex naturalization cases, derivation of citizenship applications, as well as other immigration benefits. The immigration attorney will also share expertise with program staff, volunteers, interns, and community to aid in program development.

Duties and Responsibilities Legal Services

Provide legal representation, counsel, and case management to individuals seeking immigration benefits from USCIS, primarily related to citizenship and derivation of citizenship, while also handling other types of immigration cases as needed and conducting ‘Know Your Rights’ presentations

Provide legal advocacy and manage cases for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, ensuring services are delivered in an inclusive, respectful, and client-centered manner

Perform factual and legal research related to caseload and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure

Make appropriate referrals, as necessary, for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program and for other social service needs

Complete data entry in program databases and produce related reports to guide program development and provide data for funding opportunities

Immigration Services Program Development

Develop relationships with organizing partners and explore collaborative opportunities with potential allies, especially law schools and other immigration service providers

Train, supervise, and work alongside volunteers and interns

Support and mentor Accredited Representatives on staff to help them develop and expand their legal skills and expertise

Attend monthly immigration services program meetings and all-staff meetings

Work collaboratively with immigration services staff, other teams, and community partners to ensure coordinated, client-centered support

Conduct community presentations and outreach to promote and educate the public on IIMN legal services and other issues affecting the immigrant community

Respond to media inquiries and legislative inquires, when appropriate

Assist in the development and expansion of the Immigration Services program and IIMN mission

Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Juris Doctorate required, with a preference for 2 years of demonstrated experience practicing immigration law.

Must be licensed to practice law

Ability to work collaboratively and enthusiastically with Accredited Representatives on staff as well as interns and volunteers

Fluent in English, both written and oral

Demonstrated skills in legal research and writing, complex legal analysis, interviewing and fact investigation, and interpersonal communication

Awareness of and responsiveness to the legal needs of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and varying socioeconomic circumstances.

Ability to stay organized and manage a high-volume workload while working under strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment

Must be a proactive, self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset, and a willingness to take initiative

Preference given to candidates with proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Karen, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish

Physical Demands

Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.

Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties.

Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

EEO Statement International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans apply. IIMN is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

To Apply Submit your application at https://iimn.org/careers. Applicants will be asked to include a cover letter and resume. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Position is open until filled. References will be required at time of the final interview.

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