Immigration Staff Attorney

Qualifications
Education: J.D. from an accredited ABA institute
Certification/Licensure: Admitted to practice law in any U.S. state and must be in “good standing”
Fluency in English and Spanish is required
Proficiency using Microsoft Office platform programs and ability to learn case management database systems
Completion of background checks such as driving record, criminal record, and *** offense registry, state and local police records, or national sources such as FBI and E-Verify as required by funding agencies or determined necessary by Catholic Charities and results must be satisfactory to CCDBR, its representatives, employees, or agents as an essential requirement of employment
Valid Driver’s license and current proof of insurance required
Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with co-workers, participants, and visitors; cultural sensitivity and the ability to relate well and effectively in a diverse workplace with a diverse client population
Attention to detail and ability to balance multiple simultaneous responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect families to services
Ability to meet strict deadlines
Ability to think strategically & creatively problem solve
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Benefits
Fluorescent lighting, occasional isolated conditions
Salary, $60,000; full, competitive benefits
Responsibilities
This position requires maintaining external relationships and representing the agency to the public, as such it requires a polished business-like demeanor and professional appearance, which excludes unnatural hair color, conspicuous body art and facial piercings
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, reading, writing, typing, and seeing up to 8 hours per day
This position at a minimum requires office presence during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Driving is expected 40% of the time
Occasionally carrying / lifting to 40 lbs., reaching above shoulder level, bending, and gripping/grasping
Travel by automobile to detention centers (Central and North Louisiana) is expected for up to three (3) days consecutively
Temperature controlled indoor working environment
When the agency responds to disasters, the employee may be requested to perform duties outside of the primary job responsibilities both in the office and at off-site locations affected by the disaster
Job description
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is seeking a full time Immigration Staff Attorney to serve the needs of low-income immigrants by providing direct legal representation and assistance with immigration benefit applications. The Immigration Staff Attorney also represents immigrants and their families in removal proceedings across Louisiana. Additionally, the Staff Attorney offers non-representative legal orientation services to immigration detainees through the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) at detention centers in Central and North Louisiana. This position requires maintaining external relationships and representing the agency to the public, as such it requires a polished business-like demeanor and professional appearance, which excludes unnatural hair color, conspicuous body art and facial piercings.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: J.D. from an accredited ABA institute
• Certification/Licensure: Admitted to practice law in any U.S. state and must be in “good standing”.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office platform programs and ability to learn case management database systems
• Completion of background checks such as driving record, criminal record, and *** offense registry, state and local police records, or national sources such as FBI and E-Verify as required by funding agencies or determined necessary by Catholic Charities and results must be satisfactory to CCDBR, its representatives, employees, or agents as an essential requirement of employment.
• Valid Driver’s license and current proof of insurance required

Other Qualifications:
• Knowledge and understanding of the U.S. immigration legal system, with an ability to apply this knowledge to real life case circumstances, preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with co-workers, participants, and visitors; cultural sensitivity and the ability to relate well and effectively in a diverse workplace with a diverse client population.
• Attention to detail and ability to balance multiple simultaneous responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect families to services
• Ability to meet strict deadlines
• Ability to think strategically & creatively problem solve
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

· Frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, reading, writing, typing, and seeing up to 8 hours per day.

· This position at a minimum requires office presence during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

· Driving is expected 40% of the time.

· Occasionally carrying / lifting to 40 lbs., reaching above shoulder level, bending, and gripping/grasping.

· Travel by automobile to detention centers (Central and North Louisiana) is expected for up to three (3) days consecutively.

· Temperature controlled indoor working environment. Fluorescent lighting, occasional isolated conditions.

· When the agency responds to disasters, the employee may be requested to perform duties outside of the primary job responsibilities both in the office and at off-site locations affected by the disaster.

Job Type: Full Time, Exempt

Salary, $60,000; full, competitive benefits

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Qualified applicants interested in this position should submit their resume with a cover letter here or by email to RISapplications@ccdiobr.org

Catholic Charities is a mission-based organization and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider it a privilege to serve people of all faiths and socio-economic backgrounds. Our leadership is mission-driven, energetic, disciplined, and self-motivated. We value diversity, service, compassion, and accountability; we hold ourselves responsible for delivering outcomes that change people’s lives and our community.