Unaccompanied Minor's Project Legal Caseworker

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark On a Fulfilling Career With CIRI, Where You'll Find More Than Just a Job - You'll Find Purpose. As Part Of Our Team, You'll Enjoy

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $45,000 + Benefits (that currently include):

• Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $35/paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance- Employee Funded
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit- Employee Funded
• Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
• Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
• Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
• Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees- For employee and/or family- Employee Funded
  
  

Position Summary

The Detained Child Project Legal Caseworker works in concert with CIRI’s Detained Child Project staff, in providing support as well as legal services to unaccompanied children who are in removal proceedings in Immigration Court and who are or were in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in shelter placement in Connecticut. Legal caseworkers will be expected to apply for and receive DOJ Accreditation by the end of their first year of employment.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide Know-Your-Rights Presentations and Legal Screenings to detained minors in removal proceedings
• Provide necessary follow-up after intake of detained minors to evaluate eligibility for immigration relief.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records. Ensure timely entry of all data into databases/servers. Provide delivery and documentation of contractual and programmatic services.
• Accurately track and log task performance in compliance with grant requirements
  
  

Qualifications And Experience.

• BA or BS.
• Previous experience as a paralegal or DOJ Accredited Representative for a DOJ recognized agency preferred
• Prior experience working with youth, trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred
• Spanish fluency required: the candidate must possess sufficient fluency to work directly with clients on all aspects of legal representation without using an interpreter. This is a grant requirement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management and internet
• Ability to drive and possession a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Commitment to the agency’s core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.
  
  

CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at DSchwarz@cirict.org to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.