Join our RAICES Team!
Are you ready to join our dedicated team operating on the national frontlines fighting for immigration rights? The ideal candidate shares our vision of a compassionate society where all people have the right to migrate and human rights are guaranteed. RAICES has many opportunities to contribute, grow, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that values dedication and collaboration. Starting salary is commensurate with experience.
Who We Are
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations. We provide a holistic approach to immigrants. RAICES not only assists immigrants in navigating through complicated immigration laws, but we also assist immigrants with social needs through case management and providing assistance with housing. RAICES advocates that justice is an inherent human right that should be awarded to everyone regardless of age, religion, country of origin, sexual orientation, or ability to pay for legal counsel.
What We Do
We defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families, and communities, and advocate for liberty and justice.
This position will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location. Applicants must be adaptable and open to working in both environments.
PLEASE NOTE: All employees are assigned to an office location. The expectation is that you live within the area to commute to and from the office as business or client needs require.
Hybrid Work Plan
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Currently, all interviews are virtual.
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All positions will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location.
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Applicants must reside in the state of Texas.
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Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.
What We Offer
A career at RAICES offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for advocating for immigrant rights. Our total rewards package offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits! Additional benefits include:
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Generous PTO, plus 14 paid Holidays
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Flexible Spending Account
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Health Spending Account
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Dependent Care Account
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Parental & Family Leave
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403(b) - no waiting period on eligibility and immediate vesting after 90 days
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Salary is commensurate with experience
COVID-19 Response
Protecting the health and safety of employees and clients remains essential.
RAICES is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, change of sex, and transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request.
Fully Accredited Representatives will be responsible for zealously representing individuals pursuing benefits or seeking relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Fully Accredited Representatives’ work is supervised and reviewed by a designated attorney and expand’s RAICES’ capacity to accept cases and expand our impact on our communities.
Responsibilities:
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May Conduct thorough legal consultations and intakes to ascertain immigration relief and provide legal advice on immigration matters;
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Handles caseload providing direct representation to individuals eligible for immigration relief:
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Conducts client interviews and draft motions, statements, applications and appeals;
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Provides representation to individuals seeking relief before the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and/or the Executive Office for Immigration Review under the supervision of a designated RAICES attorney;
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Drafts correspondence to Department of Homeland Security, courts, police and community agencies;
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Brainstorms ideas for documentary evidence and assist client with collection;
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Performs statutory, case law, public records, and country conditions research; and,
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Prepares clients for USCIS interviews and hearings before the immigration court.
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Stays current in immigration law and policy via self-study and participates in regular peer review meetings and legal trainings to keep current with immigration laws, regulations, and policies;
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May provide coverage for other attorneys by attending initial master calendar hearings and/or status hearings, as required;
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Reports to a supervisor for case review;
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Assumes general administrative responsibilities, including detailed case management, supervision of a legal assistant if assigned, supervise or assist with interns if assigned, and provide general guidance to legal assistants when needed; and,
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All additional responsibilities required by the unit in the attached supplemental chart.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Unit Director confirmed need for a fully accredited representative in their unit;
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Recommendation from current or prior supervisor;
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Employed at RAICES for 1+ year as a Legal Assistant. *With the exception of those who have previously been accredited through prior employment, they will be eligible to apply after their 90 day review with their direct supervisor;
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Once approved by supervisor to apply, must obtain full accreditation and meet formal requirements from the Office of Legal Access Programs;
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Grant requirements may include bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency.
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Meets qualifications of RAICES legal assistant as defined by the unit minimum qualifications; and,
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All other minimum requirements of the unit as specified in the attached supplemental chart.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience drafting applications, petitions, motions, and briefs;
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Experience serving as a translator for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews or observing USCIS interviews, if applicable;
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Proven broad knowledge of immigration law;
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Proven ability to conduct intakes and identify relief;
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Proven ability to write legal briefs;
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Proven thinking and analytical skills;
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Coverage for other attorneys by attending initial master calendar hearings and/or status hearings,
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Be current in immigration law and policy via self-study, attending attorney meetings, seeking and taking training sessions offered inside and outside RAICES; and
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All other unit qualifications specified in the attached supplemental chart.
Attributes:
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Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values – Empowerment, Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion and being proactive;
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Able to maintain client confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential; a
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Capacity for working both independently and on team projects;
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Able to thrive in a high-paced work environment, while maintaining procedural and ethical integrity;
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Excellent written and oral communication skills and
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Excellent organizational and time management skills