What we do
Since 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has been a leader in the movement to end sexual violence. BARCC empowers survivors of sexual violence to heal and provides education and advocacy for the social change needed to create cultures that prevent sexual violence. We rely on our dedicated, brilliant staff to do this important work, and our team is growing!
The role
Our Legal Advocacy team is looking for a new, part-time Immigration Attorney fluent in Spanish and English. You’ll work closely with our Bilingual Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Advocacy Program Manager, and our Client Services team to ensure that our Spanish- and English-speaking clients receive legal consultation and representation regarding immigration needs. Your work will further BARCC’s mission of ending sexual violence through healing and social change.
Where and when you’ll work
BARCC's staff, operations, hours, and location vary by function, type of work, and work style. You’ll primarily work from our Cambridge office, located at 99 Bishop Allen Drive with occasional local travel for meetings and trainings as needed.
This is a 20-hour-per-week, part-time position. You’ll develop your regular schedule with the Legal Advocacy team, which will fall during usual business hours (weekdays, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.).
What you’ll do
- Provide legal consultations to BARCC Legal Advocacy clients regarding immigration-related legal issues, and assess cases for potential immigration relief.
- Represent immigrant survivors of sexual assault and their families in filing affirmative petitions for immigration relief, including U-visas and T-visa.
- Develop referral network of agencies and private attorneys and refer clients as needed to other legal services for immigration relief representation, including removal defense of active clients.
- Work in collaboration with BARCC’s Legal Advocacy program to develop immigration program policies and procedures, including determining priorities for immigration relief needs and determining capacity and establishing waitlist procedures.
- Establishing confidentiality policy within immigration program.
- Provide culturally competent and trauma-informed information to survivors about their options, including assessing for safety concerns, so they can make informed decisions.
- Provide ongoing assistance for clients regarding immigration needs, and assisting with employment authorization and recertification.
- Conduct training for BARCC staff and external stakeholders about sexual violence and sexual exploitation–related immigration relief and working with immigrant survivors.
- Seek out and attend relevant professional development trainings and professional collaboration both within BARCC and the community.
- Participate in immigration-focused roundtables and community meetings.
- Collect program-related data and prepare written updates and progress reports as necessary.
- Be an ambassador of the organization, reflecting the values of teamwork, collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
- Collaborate on other projects as needed.
You’ll bring
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and current Massachusetts Bar License (required).
- Spoken fluency in Spanish (required).
- At least three years of experience as an attorney in immigration legal services (required).
- Prior experience working with survivors of trauma and abuse.
- Skill level that permits working independently.
- Strong awareness of and ability to self-regulate adherence to professional responsibility and ethical duties.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
- Experience using immigration case management software. This position will involve use of eIMMIGRATION Cerenade case management software.
- Demonstrated commitment to BARCC’s mission and philosophy.
What we offer
- The opportunity to make meaningful change and improve the lives of others through mission-driven work, at all levels of the organization.
- The most compassionate, supportive, and fun-loving colleagues around—who will shower you with warm welcomes, funny memes, and regular shout-outs for your contributions.
- An investment in your health, well-being, and professional development through competitive benefit offerings, generous time off policies, professional development funds and opportunities, and ongoing improvements to proactively manage vicarious trauma.
Starting salary range and benefits
$25,000–$28,000 for 20 hrs/week ($50,000–$56,000 full-time equivalent), depending on experience and skills. The total compensation package includes a generous benefits package, including health, dental, vacation, sick time, and other coverage options.
Hiring process and timeline
Please submit via our online application system your resume and cover letter and legal writing sample stating your interest and related experience to be considered for this position. No phone calls, please. We are accepting initial applications through July 16, 2019, but the opportunity will remain open until we find the best fit possible. The full hiring process will include a phone-screen interview, first-round in-person interview, a skills assessment, and final team interview. Reasonable accommodation provided upon request.
About us
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
For more information about BARCC, please visit barcc.org.