Who We Are The Capital Area Immigrants' Rights (CAIR) Coalition is now Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (Amica Center for short). Since our founding in 1999, we have grown significantly and added new services to support immigrants in detention. Recently, Amica Center has outgrown our name, expanding beyond our initial services and geographic boundaries.
Amica is the Latin word for friend, and that echoes the way we approach what we do. Just as friends stand with one another, Amica Center stands with our clients to achieve the safety, stability, and opportunity we all deserve.
We are the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond.
Our Work Environment The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. DAP provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures.
Amica Center's Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees.
DAP staff are a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies.
General Duties and Responsibilities Supervision: Directly supervise Senior Staff Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, and other staff as needed.Provide oversight and mentoring to staff and senior attorneys and paralegals on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management.Support direct reports in conducting individual intakes and client meetings, including trial preparation, with immigrants at the detention facilities.Provide oversight and mentoring to staff and senior attorneys and paralegals on the preparation of Post Release Plans and social service plans, in coordination with social services staff.Support direct reports in their supervision of staff attorneys and paralegals.Ensure compliance with all organizational and grant required metrics, data tracking, and file management.Representation: This is largely a non-representational role. Candidates will be expected to handle a minimal caseload aligned with their professional development goals. Some amount of direct representation is possible for candidates whose goals include continued representation of detained individuals.Provide expert mentoring to outside attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis.Conduct individual intakes and client meetings, including trial preparation, with immigrants at the detention facilities.Organizational Services: Provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the program, including grant management and tracking.Work with program management to set long-term program plans.Ensure that the program is kept abreast of new developments in the law and that junior staff are adequately trained.Interface with leadership of other Amica Center programs to ensure cross-program information and strategy sharing.Take part in stakeholder relationship activities, including meetings with community groups, governmental bodies, detention center staff, and other legal service providers.Oversee the accuracy of data and case information input into shared databases in a timely manner.Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low-bandwidth periods.Additional Role-Specific Details Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Deputy Program Director for the Detained Adult Program
Supervisory Responsibility: Directly supervises a limited number of staff on a direct representation team, including attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff.
Hiring Timeline: Priority will be given to applications submitted by January 5, 2025; applications will be reviewed continuously until the role is filled.
Salary: $81,000 - $109,800
Location and/or Travel Requirements: This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Candidates should live within 30 miles of their assigned primary office. Outstanding remote candidates are encouraged to apply.
Telework: Amica Center operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office.
COVID-19 Vaccination: All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Benefits Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD;Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings;Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV;Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance;Work issued cell phone provided to all client-facing employees;Life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability;The option to set up a Flexible Spending Account;High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer contribution to the Health Savings Account (HSA);The option to set up a 403(b) account with potential organizational matching.Paid time off includes:
23 personal days per calendar yearUp to 20 days of sick time per calendar year7 hours of volunteer time off13 Federal holidaysWinter break closure12 weeks of parental leaveAt Amica Center, we embrace diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about Amica Center's mission and excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
EEO Statement The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is an equal opportunity employer.
Anti-Racism Statement: To learn more about our anti-racism statement click here. How to Apply Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application.
Qualifications Required JD and active license to practice law in any US state or jurisdiction;At least 5 years of relevant experience in immigration law, including removal defense and detention;At least 3 years of supervision experience; preference for relevant experience in project management;Written and oral Spanish proficiency required; fluency strongly preferred;Must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle.
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