Unaccompanied Children’S Program Staff Attorney

Why Work for CIRI

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI where youll find more than just a job - youll find purpose. As part of our team youll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan 13 paid holidays 20 days of paid time off per year and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $68000 Benefits (that currently include):

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $40/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1750 annual benefit
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Detained Children Project Staff Attorney with support from CIRIs Director of Immigration Legal Services provides program supervision and support as well as direct legal services to unaccompanied children who are in removal proceedings in Immigration Court and who are or were in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in shelter placement in Connecticut.

LOCATION: Stamford CT with travel in lower Fairfield County

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the program in coordination with the Managing Attorney
• Conduct oversight of visits to government detention facilities.
• Ensure that program deliverables are completed and documented as required under the program contract
• Ensure that required Know-Your-Rights and Court Preparation presentations are delivered correctly and efficiently.
• Conduct oversight of visits of ORR facilities for minors detained in Connecticut.
• Provide necessary follow-up after intakes to evaluate eligibility for relief including performing research securing criminal/juvenile delinquency records and obtaining additional information from family and community members.
• Take on direct representation for detained and released minors before the Hartford immigration court.
• Appear in state courts seeking predicate orders for children seeking SIJS.
• Appear before USCIS representing children seeking asylum during asylum interviews.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records. Ensures timely entry of all statistical data into databases/servers.
• Participate in training on immigration law and procedures as assigned by legal supervisors. May conduct trainings as assigned by legal supervisors as well.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

J.D. or LLM and license to practice law in CT OR willingness to waive in.
Prior experience in immigration or child welfare law preferred (this could include law school coursework or clinical experience)
Prior experience working with youth trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred
Spanish fluency required: the candidate must possess sufficient fluency to work directly with clients on all aspects of legal representation without using an interpreter.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications database management and internet
Ability to work in a team of diverse professionals and social service workers
Ability to drive and possession a valid U.S. drivers license
Commitment to the agencys core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued respected and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex national origin age disability or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications merit and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability please contact HR at to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.

Required Experience:

Staff IC