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.