Immigration Staff Attorney

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

This position will report to Global Refuge's Director for Legal Affairs. The Immigration Staff Attorney will support Global Refuge, its San Antonio field offices, and the consortium through the provision of immigration legal orientation, screening, referral, and case assistance. The primary function of the Immigration Staff Attorney will be to provide client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal counsel to the Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) and direct immigration legal services to Welcome Center clients on related immigration matters. The Immigration Staff Attorney will collaborate with cross-department colleagues and Global Refuge partners to achieve this goal.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as Government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Develop, conduct, and oversee legal orientation programs and consultations within program-prescribed timeframes to ensure clients have critical information about immigration processes, an understanding of immigration requirements, and a general overview of legal options for temporary and permanent status, and next steps.
• Conduct immigration screenings for enrolled clients to assess for immigration relief, including an explanation of rights and available options.
• Develop community education materials, create training materials, and provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations.
• Work with the case management team and local partners to organize and hold legal orientation programs and workshops to provide limited legal services for clients seeking assistance with certain immigration applications.
• Provide training and technical assistance to promote self-advocacy skills including tracking case steps and status, case escalation, and case liaison assistance.
• Coordinate with the case management team to ensure timely assistance to enrolled clients.
• Work with the legal team to respond to requests for legal assistance, case development, and provision of legal representation, including referral to outside counsel.
• Provide Welcome Center clients with direct immigration legal services including assistance in applying for work permits, Temporary Protected Status, asylum, family reunification, adjustment of status, travel documents, and naturalization.
• Assist with community outreach and education, group presentations, and workshops; and represent the agency to a variety of organizations and at community and professional functions and meetings, as requested.
• Perform legal research on AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other related primary and secondary sources of immigration law and regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of U.S. immigration law, policy, and practices.
• Maintain accurate data entry and record-keeping for grant-funded projects.
• Proactively, constructively, and consistently report to relevant staff and leadership about programmatic developments, administrative requirements, and broader institutional concerns, opportunities, and needs.
• Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings; network and build relationships with like-minded organizations.
• Contribute to the development of, support, and strengthen internal protocols and communication; foster a collaborative work environment and contribute positively to team dynamics; and reflect Global Refuge and the legal team's values inside and outside the organization.
• May oversee temporary legal interns, paralegals, or law fellows as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2-5 years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts, and BIAis strongly preferred; candidates with exceptional clinical or internship experience may also be considered.
• Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma, immigrants, and refugees.
• Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy, and presentation skills.
• Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based decision-making environment.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment and with Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff and interns of diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage a diverse caseload, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in Spanish or other core language required.
• Understanding of the law firm and pro bono culture a plus
• Excellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, are required.
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.