The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC is at work today in more than 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities. The IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) department creates opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to survive and thrive in the US. RAI serves nearly 50,000 individuals each year in the US through a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at achieving outcomes in five impact areas: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education, and Power.
JOB OVERVIEW:
This is a limited-term position ending 9/30/2024.
IRC seeks a Staff Attorney to join the Spokane Office to represent eligible Afghans through a new partnership with USCRI (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) in the Western region of the United States. This partnership seeks to provide Afghans who arrived to the US via Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) with access to competent counsel in their immigration matters. IRC is a lead agency responding to the Afghan evacuation and serves tens of thousands of Afghan individuals across the United States.
The Staff Attorney will conduct individual intakes and consultations and provide direct representation to eligible Afghans. The Staff Attorney will bring experience representing asylum seekers and a passion for this area of work. The position will work closely with the Legal Services Technical Unit (TU) at IRC’s headquarters, which supports IRC’s 24 legal service programs across the US, including four offices that have removal defense programs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct intakes with IRC clients and community members and provide direct legal representation to eligible Afghans before the USCIS including on applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), Adjustment of Status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and potentially before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Coordinate closely within IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to services offered in-house and through partnerships with external providers.
Ensure client and program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately, and reported accurately in accordance with program reporting requirements set by IRC.
Position may supervise legal assistants and/or interns and volunteers.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise of changing asylum and immigration policies through independent research and analysis, regular trainings, and peer-to-peer consultation.
Maintain good standing with the state bar by attending and keeping records of continuing legal education training and credits.
Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
Conduct trainings for IRC staff and/or externally as needed.
Participate in community-based coalitions related to immigrant rights.
Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.
Collaborate with other IRC departments and partners to offer community-based workshops or information sessions when demand exceeds capacity to provide direct legal representation.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and admission to any state bar;
Ideally at least one year experience providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief; law school graduates with clinical legal experience may be considered;
Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills;
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing;
Bilingual in one or more languages of the population preferred (eg, Dari, Pashto);
Deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants;
Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills;
Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative and fast-paced multidisciplinary environment;
Ability to travel locally to engage with clients and community partners.
The position is contingent upon successful completion of a Federal e-QIP Tier 2 background check.
Working Environment:
Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Hybrid - an average of 3 days a week in office.
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
