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Supervising Attorney

Job Details

Chicago, IL

Description

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH)’s Legal Services Department is seeking a full-time Supervising Attorney.  Reporting to the Director of Legal Services, the Supervising Attorney’s basic function is to provide supervisory support to the Legal Services department and representation for individuals seeking immigration benefits.  

In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunity for growth, and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area. 


POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervisory Support and Mentorship
•    Supervise, mentor, and work collaboratively with staff and volunteers, including attorneys, DOJ representatives, paralegals, legal interns, and pro bono attorneys working within the Legal Services department;
•    Provide technical assistance to legal staff working on cases including petitions for family relatives, U-visas, VAWA, TPS, asylum, removal defense, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), naturalization, and other remedies;
•    Actively participate in legal case review and other meetings to effectively provide excellent quality service to all clients;
•    Ensure data is accurately entered and updated in case management system as required by internal policies and grant requirements;
•    Perform factual and legal research and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure;
•    Participate in the development of the legal department in partnership with the Legal Services Director and Program Manager;
•    Represent department and agency at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary; 
•    Participate in on-going immigration trainings and other professional development;
•    Maintain required attorney license and core professional competencies;
Direct Legal Services
•    Conduct and supervise legal intake to assess individuals’ eligibility for immigration benefits;
•    Provide expert consultation and representation to clients and potential clients including case preparation and follow-up;
•    Provide case management for immigration matters, including but not limited to preparing applications, maintaining client files and case records, drafting cover letters and legal memoranda, reviewing case files, and representing clients at interviews and hearings;
•    Explain relevant policies and case procedure to individuals;
•    Maintain a caseload (reduced to account for supervisory responsibilities) under the supervision and mentorship of the Legal Services Director;
•    When needed, conduct community presentations and trainings during nontraditional business hours;
•    Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application;
•    Assist in case management of immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours;
•    Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries on immigration issues in a timely manner;
•    Perform other duties as assigned.
 

Qualifications

•    Juris Doctorate degree and three (3) or more years practicing U.S. immigration law required; 
•    Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required;
•    Management and personnel supervisory experience strongly preferred;
•    Experience handling removal defense caseload strongly preferred;
•    Excellent organizational, oral, and written skills;
•    Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities;
•    Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills;
•    Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;
•    Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment;
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality;
•    Ability to stay organized, manage a high-volume workload, and work under strict deadlines;
•    Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds;
•    Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills; ability to comfortably exercise calculated risks;
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software;
•    Access to reliable transportation. Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits;
•    Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional Saturday workshops;
•    Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS 
•    Compensation of $72,000 - $75,000 salary based on experience
•    Work / life integration 
o    Generous paid time off  
(examples below for full-time employment) 

  •    12 accrued sick days per year 
  •    3 personal days 
  •    Paid birthday off 
  •    8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth 
  •    In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 
  •    Vacation 

•    Year 1 = 8 days 
•    Year 2 = 13 days 
•    Year 3 + = 20 days 
o    Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible 
o    Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees  
o    Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave 
•    Professional Development 
o    Employer-sponsored learning and development programs 
o    Paid day off annually for personal professional development  
o    Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows 
o    DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series  
•    Wellness support 
o    Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance 
o    Employer-paid life insurance 
o    Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability 
o    Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care 
o    403b with employer match 
o    Employee Assistance Program 
o    Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite 

 Management / Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at hr@eriehouse.org.  


NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS
ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; 
UNITED WAY MEMBER
 

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