Legal Advocates, Unaccompanied Children Program (Granger, Tacoma, & Wenatchee) - Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

Agency Name: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

Position / Job Title : Legal Advocates - Unaccompanied Children Program

Location: Granger, Tacoma, and Wenatchee, WA

Category : Non-Attorney

Job Description: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project seeks full-time bilingual legal advocates to be placed in three of NWIRP’s offices: Granger, Tacoma, and Wenatchee. These positions will primarily be working with clients in the Unaccompanied Children Program as well as other individuals seeking NWIRP services. A minimum two-year commitment to the position is preferred.

As a legal advocate, you will help provide legal assistance and advocacy under attorney supervision to unaccompanied children and youth facing removal (deportation) proceedings. In addition to working on the cases of NWIRP’s children and youth clients in immigration court, this position will also involve collaborating with attorneys in representing clients in applying for various forms of immigration protection, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, and adjustment of status before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and in state court in order to obtain predicate SIJS findings for eligible clients. The legal advocate may also be assigned work relating to other immigration matters as needed.

The anticipated hours of work are Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, with a 30 – 60 minute unpaid lunch.

Under NWIRP’s current COVID policies, new staff members must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (unless eligible for an exemption). Staff may choose to wear a face mask in the workplace, but it is not currently required. At the time of this posting, NWIRP staff is operating in a hybrid model, and some in-office work will be expected of this position (at least two full days per week).

This position involves some travel to client meeting locations. A valid driver’s license will be required in order to meet these expectations.

ABOUT NORTHWEST IMMIGRANT RIGHTS PROJECT:

Founded in 1984, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is a nationally-recognized legal services organization on the front lines of defending and advancing the rights of immigrants. Each year, NWIRP provides direct legal representation and assistance in immigration matters to thousands of people with low incomes who come from over 150 countries and speak over 60 different languages. NWIRP challenges unjust policies through high-impact lawsuits and advocates for laws and policies that respect the rights of immigrants. NWIRP is also a trusted provider of immigration-related community education for immigrant communities and social service providers. NWIRP has a staff of over 150 and an annual budget of over $20 million. NWIRP serves the community through four offices in Washington State (Granger, Seattle, Tacoma and Wenatchee), but the impact of our work is felt nationwide.

Unaccompanied Children Program

The Unaccompanied Children Program (UCP) is a statewide unit at NWIRP, with teams across NWIRP’s four offices assisting unaccompanied children and youth who are released from immigration custody and are facing removal (deportation) proceedings. Using a Universal Representation model, services are person-centered and zealous, cases are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no eligibility criteria. The UCP team works collaboratively to meet the needs of children and youth clients in their pursuit of immigration protection.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION:

The beginning annual salary is $66,531.38 ($36.55 per hour) and is higher depending on years of directly relevant experience. For example, if you have 10 years of directly relevant experience, the annual compensation would be $77,950.77 ($42.83 per hour); 20 years would be $89,043.22 ($48.92 per hour).

NWIRP is proud to be a unionized employer, and this full-time position is covered by NWIRP’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. NWIRP offers a generous benefits package, including:

• Fully paid health, vision & dental plans for employee-level coverage with employer-funded HRA and HSA options

• FSA and Dependent Care accounts

• Automatic, Employer contribution of 3% to 403(b) retirement plan

• Generous paid health-related leave (12 days per year)

• Generous paid vacation (16 days during your first year)

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 6 months of employment, plus the ability to extend with state-paid leave

• 14 paid Holidays with the ability to float 5 holidays

• Subsidized transit pass if based out of Seattle

• Employer-paid disability/life/AD&D coverage; Long-term care insurance

• 4 weeks of paid sabbatical after every five years of employment at NWIRP

• Eligibility to earn compensatory time

• Opportunities for paid professional development

• New employees may be eligible for relocation benefits, per the CBA.

NWIRP is an eligible employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY, EQUITY AND REPRESENTATION:

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse staff, board, and volunteer base reflective of the communities we serve and that enhances our ability to create a vibrant environment where all members of the NWIRP community thrive. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants (including people who were formerly detained, undocumented, or who have navigated the immigration legal system), women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and language abilities.

NWIRP is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. NWIRP does not discriminate on the basis of class, race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. Excepting any undue hardship, NWIRP will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please contact HR@nwirp.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal advocates are expected to:

• Under attorney supervision:

• Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview children and youth to gather or clarify information;

• Assist in conducting case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws;

• Assist in providing consultations and direct representation, preparing and submitting immigration forms and supporting documents to immigration courts, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or other immigration agencies;

• Provide pro se assistance to community members who do not qualify for services under Unaccompanied Children;

• Work directly with community partners to receive referrals and connect clients to appropriate resources;

• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, practices, and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system;

• Establish, organize, and maintain files up to date;

• Translate documents;

• Perform data entry regarding the services provided to children and youth, including the preparation of monthly status reports;

• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting, such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking training, and other duties in a timely manner;

• Participate in NWIRP’s outreach, community education and development efforts; and

• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP’s needs.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; utilize a phone, computer, keyboard, pen and paper. Occasional work on night and weekend hours. Travel may be required. Travel reimbursements apply.

Emotional demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to discuss topics including, but not limited to, discrimination; child abuse, neglect, abandonment; domestic abuse; violence, and psychological trauma.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants and willingness to support NWIRP’s mission, vision, and values;

• Fluency in English and another language (additional languages are encouraged);

• Familiarity working with interpreters;

• Demonstrated interest in advocating for youth (previous work experience working with children and youth is preferred);

• Commitment to creating a welcoming and professional inclusive environment for staff and clients;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to organize information in a clear and concise manner, including strong problem-solving, research, and analytical skills;

• Ability to assist in the provision of trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation;

• Ability to work independently (with competing deadlines) as well as in a team environment;

• Have a strong sense of judgment and decision-making;

• Strong organizational skills;

• Previous work with remote legal assistance is encouraged;

• Proficiency in the use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and web peer-to-peer communication platforms; Familiar with G-suite tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Gmail; and

• The applicant must have a valid driver’s license as the position involves some travel.

REPORTS TO:

Supervising Attorney

TO APPLY:

You will need to upload a single file document including your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references via our careers page: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch. For your cover letter, please indicate the position and location(s) you would like to be considered for, and describe 1) how your lived or work experience makes you a good fit for this role; and 2) what are some challenges you are aware of that pose barriers to providing legal advocacy to immigrant client populations. Full consideration will be given to those who apply by April 3, 2024, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Link to Application: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch