Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to welcome Holocaust survivors and returning World War II veterans looking to rebuild their lives in Kansas City. Today, JVS welcomes refugees and immigrants from around the world who are fleeing persecution in search of safety and opportunity. JVS embraces, encourages and empowers our newest neighbors in their journey to self-sufficiency. Offering an extensive array of services in community integration, health & wellness, and workforce development, JVS is Kansas City's premier immigrant-and-refugee-serving organization.

JVS offers a number of benefits to employees: health, vision and dental insurance, short-term disability, 403b plan including 3% employer contribution, paid holiday, sick and vacation time, and opportunities for professional development.

The JVS Immigration Attorney

Each year refugees and immigrants come to the United States to seek a better life and/or protection from persecution in their home country. To help them build their lives in the United States, JVS offers pro-bono and low-bono legal services for these refugees and immigrants by providing competent and comprehensive immigration legal services. The Staff Attorney will contribute to the activities of the Immigration Services Program and provide direct representation for refugees and immigrants in the immigration process.

Section 2: Qualifications (skills, education, experience)

J.D. with a valid license to practice law and at least 1-3 years of immigration legal experience;
Minimum 1-3 years of work experience working with immigrants and/or low-income populations
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong writing and demonstrated intercultural communication ability
Previous experience with refugees/immigrants strongly desired
Valid driver license with classification appropriate to operate JVS vehicles, valid auto insurance, clean driving record with no moving violations within the past three years.
Previous experience public speaking and providing training preferred

Section 3: Responsibilities/Duties

Conducting intakes and providing legal consultations to determine eligibility for legal relief;
Preparing and submitting immigration applications for the following:
Family reunification petitions;
Consular processing;
Temporary Protected Status;
DACA;
Adjustment of Status;
Asylum;
Special Immigrant Status for Afghans and Iraqis;
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
VAWA, U, and T Visas
Waivers of inadmissibility; and
Additional benefits such as employment authorization documents, travel documents, renewal of permanent resident cards, Certificates of Citizenship, and FOIAs;
Making appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners;
Representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including attending immigration interviews, immigration court hearings, and Infopass appointments;
Conducting outreach and participating in networking activities;
Maintaining bar membership through continuing legal education; and
Other responsibilities as assigned

Section 4: Skills Needed

Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines; able to effectively prioritize, delegate, and execute multiple tasks.
Ability to be self-directed and highly flexible in daily work.
Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with both internal and external collaborators.
Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs and internet-based communication.
Must have a valid Missouri or Kansas Driver’s License and a verified safe driving record and reliable means of transportation for local travel. Must provide a copy of license

Section 5: Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Position requires some flexibility in schedule, with some weekends and/or evenings required.
This position will primarily be a coordinator of services; approximately 80% of the job will be completed in office.
Occasional travel to community events, public service providers, and other service locations will be necessary. Use of a personal vehicle is necessary with mileage reimbursement.
Much of the work is typically performed in an interior temperature-controlled office work environment. Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Some work may be performed at community sites such as other agency offices, schools, libraries, and other public meeting places. Employees may experience exposure to temperature extremes when in training situations, in a car, and while traveling to contacts outside of the agency facility.
Position requires frequent bending, squatting, sitting, standing, pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving items that may weigh up to 50 lbs.
Use of a work cell phone required.

A note to Potential Candidates:

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary individuals and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification listed in the job description. Here at JVS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work and that is okay. JVS strongly encourages you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every qualification described.

Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City

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Immigration Attorney