Legal Advocate - NDS Harlem

Overview

THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office serving the residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS clients are represented by multidisciplinary teams providing criminal, civil, immigration and family representation. NDS is accepting applications for the position of Legal Advocate in the Immigration Defense Team.

OVERVIEW

The Immigration Defense Team works as part of NDS’s Civil Defense Practice to minimize the immigration consequences of contact with the criminal justice and child welfare systems and assist Northern Manhattan residents in accessing immigration relief. The practice provides removal defense representation as well as assistance in submitting affirmative applications. The Legal Advocate will support the work of the practice through engaging in community intake and outreach, screening clients for relief eligibility, filing and supporting clients with affirmative applications, assisting attorneys with clients with affirmative applications and in removal proceedings, and other duties as necessary to provide holistic immigration services to NDS’s clients. The anticipated start date is late January 2025.

Responsibilities

1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence;

2. Conduct intake with clients seeking immigration assistance;

3. Engage in community outreach and education;

4. Screen clients for eligibility for immigration benefits and relief;

5. Work with clients to obtain immigration benefits such as adjustment of status, asylum, naturalization, work authorization, green card renewals, and more;

6. Represent clients in interviews before USCIS; and

7. Support the practice’s affirmative and removal defense docket.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Partial DOJ accreditation strongly preferred.

2. Demonstrated commitment to social justice.

3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

4. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage a diverse caseload.

5. Must be able to work cooperatively with attorneys and other NDS advocates and problem solve independently.

6. Fluency in Spanish.

Please note that NDS is currently operating in a hybrid remote/in-person model.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale (range: $55,904 – $61,003). Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided.

The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.

How To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample with their application as one document, preferably PDF. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at NDS - Harlem. 

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. 

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Salary : $55,904 - $61,003