Job Summary: The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual Spanish-speaking Staff Attorney or OLAP Accredited Representative for its Survivors of Violence Unit. The Staff Attorney or OLAP Accredited Representative will work out of the Los Angeles office and will work under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney or Supervising OLAP and Managing Attorney from the Survivors of Violence Unit. For OLAP accredited representative, must be an OLAP accredited representative (or meet the criteria to submit an approvable application for OLAP accreditation at the time of hiring) and be determined by the Supervising Attorney, Managing Attorney and Legal Director, in their discretion, to have the requisite immigration knowledge and experience to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of the duties described below. Law graduates awaiting state bar results will be considered for the Staff Attorney position. The Staff Attorney or OLAP Accredited Representative will regularly provide legal consultation and representation services for VAWA, U Visa, T visa, Adjustment of Status cases and other immigration relief, as well as other duties assigned. The OLAP Accredited Representative will not perform those legal services reserved under state law to members in good standing of the California State Bar.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Prepare VAWA, U Visa, T visa, Adjustment of Status cases, I-929 petitions, consular processing, and employment authorization applications among others including representing applicants before USCIS

• Assist with conducting and reviewing client intakes for immigration relief.

•  Assign and review casework to legal support staff including legal assistants and administrative

  assistants.

•  Assist with supervising volunteer law student clinics on a rotating basis with other attorneys on

  the team, requiring periodic Saturday work during fall and spring semesters;

•  Conduct presentations, workshops and other community education activities, including at

  offsite locations, which may require periodic Saturday work.

•  Other duties as assigned by Supervising Attorney or Supervising OLAP and Managing Attorney

  Required Skill/Qualifications

•  Staff Attorney: Law degree and active bar admission or law graduates awaiting admission

•   OLAP Accredited Representative: Must be partially or fully OLAP Accredited Representative or

  meet the criteria to submit an approvable application for OLAP accreditation at the time of hiring

2845 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, California 90005-3907 / tel: 213-385-7800 / fax: 213-385-1094 / web: www.carecen-la.org

CENTRAL AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER / CENTRO DE RECURSOS CENTROAMERICANOS

•   Fluency in spoken and written Spanish required

•   1-2 years of practical experience in immigration required. Experience in VAWA/U visa/T visa,

  and family-based immigration preferred

• Excellent legal skills and broad knowledge of immigration law

•   Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN

•   Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently

• Must be willing to conduct community education and workshops around Los Angeles County

  and Santa Ana if needed. The position will involve some evening and weekend work.

  Classification & Work Schedule

  Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others, libraries and other government facilities, among others.

  Work Environment & Physical Demands

  This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Telecommute is currently offered, with transition to in person work at the CARECEN Los Angeles office. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by other nonprofits, libraries, and government facilities, among others. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

  Travel Requirements

  Ability to travel to different CARECEN offices and offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 25% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. The ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

  Benefits

  CARECEN offers a generous health insurance package that has medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 11 paid holidays.

  Application Deadline

  Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

  To Apply

  Please email a cover letter, resume and three references to Gloria Martinez ([email protected]). Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish fluency in the cover letter. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal/staffing agencies.

  CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2845 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, California 90005-3907 / tel: 213-385-7800 / fax: 213-385-1094 / web: www.carecen-la.org

CENTRAL AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER / CENTRO DE RECURSOS CENTROAMERICANOS

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.