The Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) is a national cooperative effort between the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and local nonprofit launched in 2016. After observing the continued success and effectiveness of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) for immigrants in ICE custody and the LOP for Custodians (LOPC) for caregivers of unaccompanied immigrant children, Congress created ICH with the goal of serving non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings. All three programs provide individualized information and education about the immigration court and deportation systems and potential forms of relief to thousands of unrepresented individuals facing removal proceedings. The principal purpose of ICH is to give immigrants support, information guidance, and pro se application assistance throughout the immigration court process.

Positions:

The Immigration Court Helpdesk is hiring for the following positions:

• (5) Five Attorneys
• (3) Three Paralegals

Responsibilities:

[Attorney]

• In collaboration/consultation with the ICH Lead Project Attorney, the Special Projects Coordinator,  Special Projects managers, and the Vera Institute of Justice and EOIR, develop, implement, and/or  enhance the Immigration Court Helpdesk. 
• Through ICH, coordinate and provide group information sessions (GIS), Friend of the Court (FOTC)  services, individual information sessions (IIS), self-help workshops (SHW) and referrals through ICH to  indigent and unrepresented individuals in proceedings at the New York Immigration Court in  coordination with EOIR, other New York area non-profit legal service providers, law school clinics, and  other stakeholders.
• Remain up to date on changes in immigration law and policy, and collaborate with other ICH staff in the  development of new programming to respond to changes impacting unrepresented immigrants facing  removal.
• Supervises and conducts client intake; evaluates matters for purposes of pro bono representation  referrals; trains and supervises volunteer advocates; develops and updates materials for legal trainings;  refines and expands pro se services provided through ICH SHWs. 
• Provide direct representation to indigent immigrant New Yorkers, including representation before the USCIS and EOIR in cases involving Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, U visas,  cancellation of removal, and other relief, and representation in New York State courts to obtain orders  necessary for SIJS.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with funders; state and local social service  providers; and USCIS, EOIR, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including developing  appropriate communication and information sharing with stakeholders;
• Train, supervise and coordinate law students, law interns, fellows and volunteers to assist with the  provision of ICH services, as well as direct legal services.
• Provide in-house and outreach trainings, presentations and workshops, as directed. 9. Develop new pro se workshop programs to respond to the needs of unrepresented, indigent clients  scheduled to appear before the Immigration Court.
• As directed, represent CCCS at local committees, coalitions, and collaboratives; serve as a primary  liaison with local elected and law enforcement representatives, with the aim of enhancing CCCS  presence and voice. 
• Develop responses and strategies in response to emerging issues; meet regularly with department  leadership to provide progress reports.
• As directed, provide in-house and community outreach trainings, presentations, and workshops.  13. Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining monthly statistics and case reports,  and reporting to funders and stakeholders.
• Maintain and update electronic files in LawLogix, as well as physical case files.
• Other duties as assigned.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and a relevant writing sample to maryann.tharappel@catholiccharitiesny.org