What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Staff Attorney (Asylum) position at Human Rights Initiative of North Texas Inc.?

Position Summary

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI), in collaboration with the DFW Asylum Seeker Housing (DASH) Network, is excited to announce a co-funded Senior Staff Attorney position. This role reports to HRI, and we are seeking a passionate advocate for human rights to join our dedicated team.

As a Senior Staff Attorney, you will work alongside a dynamic group of legal professionals, including staff attorneys, DOJ Accredited Representatives, legal fellows, assistants, and interns at HRI as well as coordinate and collaborate with exceptional DASH Network team members. You will provide critical direct legal representation and mentorship for pro bono attorneys. The primary focus of this role is assisting asylum seekers in the DASH Network’s housing program, and you will also provide support to those eligible for VAWA, U or T visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), adjustment of status, naturalization, and other forms of humanitarian relief enrolled under HRI programming. Asylum case management and support to DASH Network residents (including former residents) is expected to be 70 to 85% of the position’s activities.

In this role, you will demonstrate compassion and cultural sensitivity and provide trauma-informed legal services.

About HRI :

For the past 25 years, HRI has been committed to offering comprehensive legal services for courageous and resilient immigrant survivors of human rights abuses from around the world. Our work is funded by contributions from the private and public sectors.

Our organization is driven by the following Core Values, which are integral to how we operate. These Core Values are expected of every stakeholder of HRI :

Foster Respect
Promote Stewardship
Demonstrate Commitment
Act with Integrity
Uphold Accountability
Maintain Service Excellence

About the DASH Network :

A community that welcomes and loves people who are seeking asylum with the Love of Christ by offering long term housing, food and friendship.

Senior Staff Attorney Responsibilities

Collaborate with DASH Network team members to conduct joint screenings, identifying asylum cases that meet eligibility criteria for both DASH Network and HRI programs.

Provide asylum representation and other immigration services for DASH Network residents and former residents, including support with EAD applications, Adjustment of Status, naturalization, and basic pro se case support.

Facilitate legal clinics for current and former DASH Network clients

Support legal clinics and Continuing Legal Education courses led by HRI, as needed.

Conduct screenings and represent clients seeking asylum, VAWA, U-visas, T-visas, SIJS, and other forms of humanitarian relief for both adults and children at HRI

Provide legal counsel to clients on immigration benefits and prepare cases for submission to Federal Government agencies.

Mentor and collaborate with pro bono attorneys assigned to cases.

Represent clients in Family courts, Immigration courts, State courts, and USCIS.

Manage client cases to ensure timely consideration by government agencies.

Engage in community outreach through various events as needed.

Additional Responsibilities :

Assist in training and mentoring of interns, accredited representatives, and other staff as needed.

Adheres to both agency’s professional code of ethics.

Remain informed on current immigration law and procedures by attending relevant training sessions.

Uphold the mission, values, and vision of both HRI and DASH Network.

Perform other duties as needed to support program and / or organizational needs.

Essential Job Qualifications :

Juris Doctor and licensed to practice law in Texas

Bilingual language skills in Spanish are preferred (language skills will be evaluated as part of the interview process)

5 to 7 years of experience in immigration law, with 3 to 5 years focused on asylum advocacy.

Strongly regards and demonstrates the Core Values of HRI

Strong organizational skills, the ability to multi-task, and experience managing a high caseload.

Excellent research, writing, and analytical abilities.

Demonstrated emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and willingness to learn cloud-based case management software.

Commitment to equity, racial justice, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Preferred Job Qualifications :

Experience in removal defense and appellate litigation

Familiarity with Texas family law.

Experience working with survivors of trauma and children.

Bilingual in Spanish or other client languages such as French

Salary and Benefits :

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $78,000 to $82,000, commensurate with experience and HRI’s salary scale. Our comprehensive benefits package includes :

Affordable and robust health, vision, dental, and ancillary benefits offerings

Paid parental leave

Employer paid short-term disability benefit

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible work hours

Hybrid schedule

11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, a week-long holiday closure in December, and generous vacation and sick time

Physical Demands :

Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.

Manual dexterity for keyboard use.

Clear verbal communication skills in person and over the phone.

Occasionally lift objects up to 10 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The Human Rights Initiative of North Texas is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. Candidates from immigrant, global majority, and diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are a fair chance employer. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to finalizing an offer of employment.

Application Instructions :

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Shalaina Abioye at sabioye@hrionline.org and Richard Lucero at rlucero@hrionline.org

Salary : $78,000 - $82,000

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