Legal Advocate, Temporary

Summary

Position Description:

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is seeking a temporary, full-time, bilingual Legal Advocate to join the Children and Youth Advocacy Program (CYAP) in our Seattle office. Applicants must be fluent in both English and Spanish; proficiency in additional languages is encouraged. The selected applicant must be available to start as soon as possible, with an expected commitment of approximately one year.

Under the supervision of CYAP attorneys, the Legal Advocate will support the direct representation of immigrant youth across Washington State. This role includes working closely with attorneys on a variety of immigration matters, such as applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification, asylum, VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and adjustment of status before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Legal Advocate will also assist in state court proceedings to obtain SIJ predicate findings for eligible clients. Additional immigration-related responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

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. With over 180 employees, 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 serves the community through four offices in Washington State (Granger, Seattle, Tacoma and Wenatchee), but the impact of our work is felt nationwide.

NWIRP’s Children and Youth Advocacy Program (CYAP) supports immigrant children and youth, particularly unaccompanied minors from Central America and Mexico facing removal proceedings. The CYAP team manages a wide range of cases, assisting young people with various forms of immigration protection, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Asylum, VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Adjustment of Status, and removal defense before immigration courts. Additionally, CYAP attorneys handle Washington State court proceedings related to SIJS eligibility and conduct monthly legal clinics for DACA applicants. The legal advocate will be crucial in addressing anticipated changes in DACA policy.

Responsibilities

Legal advocates are expected to:

Under Attorney Supervision

Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview clients 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;

Assist in providing pro se assistance, community outreach and education, as directed;

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 clients, 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.

Benefits And Compensation

This is a non-exempt, hourly position, and the minimum pay rate for candidates with no experience is $38.01 per hour (approx. $69,192.64 annually). Compensation increases based on years of directly relevant experience. For example, candidates with 10 years of relevant experience will earn $44.54 per hour (approx. $81,068.80 annually), while candidates with 20 years of experience will earn $50.88 per hour (approx. $92,604.95 annually).

Benefits

This full-time temporary position is not covered by NWIRP’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, however the employee will receive nearly all the same benefits as a union member. NWIRP offers a generous benefits package, including:

Fully paid health, vision and 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);

14 paid Holidays with the ability to float 5 holidays;

Employer-paid disability, life, AD&D and long-term care insurance;

Opportunities for paid professional development; and,

Subsidized transit pass is available for the Seattle office.

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

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.

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 [email protected].

Reports To

Supervising Attorney