Detained Pro Se Services Supervising Attorney

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal and social services to individuals in immigration detention, as well as to children and families throughout Colorado. RMIAN’s Detention Program provides legal and social service support to individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the privately-owned civil immigration detention facility located in Aurora, Colorado. RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Supervising Attorney to lead RMIAN’s detained pro se services work at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado and at the Bighorn Detention Facility in Hudson, Colorado, if ICE proceeds with opening that facility. RMIAN has been providing education and informational services to empower individuals detained at the Aurora immigration detention facility to represent themselves since 2003. Prior to the current administration's termination of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), RMIAN was the provider of that program at the Aurora facility. RMIAN staff provide information about rights in removal proceedings, court procedures, release options, and relief from removal. The team conducts individual intakes to screen cases for referral to volunteer pro bono counsel and direct representation by RMIAN staff attorneys. The pro se services team additionally continues to advocate for permission to provide group know your rights presentations at the facility. When capacity allows, this team is responsible for providing pro se support to people facing deportation proceedings without the assistance of counsel. This position is meant for an attorney dedicated to equal justice for all and with a passion for educating individuals to advocate on their own behalf—someone with experience practicing removal defense immigration law , preferably in a detained setting. This is an ideal position for an attorney who wants to work closely with pro se people and witness the impact information and education can have. The ideal candidate: Is an attorney who has a background in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice. Is guided by the principle that all respondents before the immigration court are entitled to counsel and is passionate about explaining a complex legal framework in a digestible manner to individuals not well-versed in the complexities of immigration law. This candidate is excited about educating and empowering pro se individuals and enjoys creative delivery of information. Enjoys creative lawyering and working in a collaborative setting. Is ready to assume a large degree of responsibility and autonomy in running a major subprogram within RMIAN’s Detention Program. Is skilled at building rapport with clients and at building and maintaining relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders (including governmental agencies, nonprofit providers, and community partners). Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise, and is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others. Has experience in and enjoys supervising attorneys and others. Has experience and confidence in speaking to groups. Enjoys collaborating with others and understands how to keep people focused on the goal—this person thrives on working as a member of a team and has experience with project management and positively influencing people to get things done. In particular, this person excels at engaging and motivating colleagues at all levels to keep moving toward results. Is exceptionally organized – this person loves handling details and multiple projects running in parallel. Understands how to prioritize and can triage to meet time-sensitive deadlines. Appreciates the need to be responsive and act on time-sensitive inquiries – this person can respond to stakeholders quickly and is skilled at time management. Enjoys finding and creating efficiencies – this person naturally conceptualizes workflow through a systems approach, thrives on innovating to make tasks more streamlined, and works quickly and accurately. Is able to work autonomously and independently – this person doesn’t require micromanaging and can be trusted to manage and meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner without the need for extensive oversight. Responsibilities: Direct Pro Se Services Conduct a limited number of individual intakes and consultations on a weekly basis, and screens cases for referral to pro bono volunteer attorneys and RMIAN staff attorneys. Conduct legal and factual research to determine participants’ legal eligibility and suitability of cases for pro bono referral. If RMIAN is allowed to resume group presentations, provide Know-Your-Rights presentations and/or workshops at one or both facilities. Support RMIAN’s pro bono efforts to match as many cases as possible with free legal representation, including screening cases, communicating with participants, and gathering records. Providing discrete assistance to pro se individuals on a limited-scope basis as needed. Program Management and Development Work with the Managing Attorney and LOP Coordinator to determine team capacity for individual consultations and prioritization of meetings with those who have requested services. Supervise the pro se services team, consisting of 3-5 staff, including attorneys and legal administrative staff. Ensure the team has the resources, including training, to provide accurate, up-to-date and easily digestible legal information to pro se detained people. Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney to ensure the pro se services team has educational and other supports necessary to continue providing services in a changing and challenging legal environment. Together with the Detention Program Managing Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, develop strategies for increasing representation based on detention population and RMIAN’s capacity for pro bono referrals. Oversee the day-to-day pro se services at the detention facility, including determining weekly priorities, troubleshooting access issues, and navigating stakeholder relationships. Liaise with leaders of similar programs at sister organizations to spot issues and develop new approaches. Oversee data reporting of pro se services to RMIAN management. Determine how to best support individual pro se people in their immigration and habeas cases. Coordinate with Detention Program Managing Attorney and RMIAN Social Services Program as needed to ensure the team is providing trauma-informed services at all times. Provide mentorship and training to the team’s staff, including by occasional observation of service delivery. Develop and oversee development of new pro se materials to be distributed to pro se individuals. Create and implement systems to enhance efficiency of program. Work collaboratively with external groups seeking to provide pro se and representational services to immigrants detained in Colorado. Direct Representation On occasion, represent detained individuals, primarily in a limited scope manner (including representation before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, USCIS, and other agencies). Outreach, Community Education, Development, and Organizational Efforts Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts. Foster relationships with clients willing to engage in campaigns to promote public awareness of RMIAN’s work and its impact on people who seek lasting protection from deportation in the United States. Participate in community building, committee work and other activities within RMIAN. Required skills and experience: Admission to any state bar. Professional-level English & Spanish proficiency – both oral and written (will be tested during interviews) Immigration law experience in removal defense. Deep dedication to immigration legal services, working with individuals in detention, commitment to working with members of marginalized groups, and people with prior history of involvement in