YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the Y of Greater Houston and seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive programs that focus on building human assets and fostering self-sufficiency.

The LOP attorney provides legal rights presentations and pro se support to adult detainees with pending administrative immigration court hearings. These individuals frequently do not speak English, are unfamiliar with the legal system, and do not know how to sustain their burden of proof for relief from removal. Legal orientation and pro se support services are crucial for these individuals; without it, deportation is a virtual certainty regardless of the merits of their claims.

The Staff Attorney will:

• Conduct in person and virtual group orientations (also referred to as “know-your-rights” presentations) at the Houston Contract Detention Facility, Montgomery Processing Center, Joe Corley Detention Facility (Conroe, TX), and the IAH Secure Detention Facility (Livingston, TX).
• Provide individual orientations to unrepresented detainees.
• Provide pro se workshops for unrepresented detainees.
• Ensure contract compliance including regular data and narrative reporting to the funder.
• Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and legal trainings.
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by Supervisor including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees and food pantry distribution.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance. Example includes but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.

Requirements

• Attorney must have a J.D. from an ABA certified law school with an active license to practice in at least one state in the United States.
• Experience in immigration law is preferred. Law school experience may be considered.
• Candidates must be bilingual (English and Spanish).
• The candidate must be culturally competent to deal with clients possessing diverse: international backgrounds; nationalities; races; religions; and sexual orientations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time and resources.
• Ability to work well with others, to work under pressure and handle a large volume of consultations, clients, and data, and highly self-motivated.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
• Texas Driver’s License; clean driving record; own vehicle; applicable auto insurance.
• Candidate must be willing to commute to detention facilities – 45 minutes to 2 hours away from office.
• Federal government clearance is required for this position.

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides the following:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Generous and flexible PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long term disability, basic life insurance, and other voluntary benefits
• 403 (B) retirement plan
• Free YMCA membership

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.