Staff Attorney

The Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN) is a non-profit that has served the immigrant community on Long Island for four decades through legal services, community education and advocacy. We seek a passionate and dedicated immigration attorney to join our robust, dynamic and growing legal team with our Office of New American’s Nassau Legal Counsel.The position is a full time, salaried, exempt position.

Overview of the Role

The Staff Attorney will provide critical legal services to immigrants in Nassau County through direct representation and legal clinics. The attorney will also educate immigrants on their legal rights and changes to immigration law and policy through community seminars and workshops.

The attorney will join six other members of CARECEN's ONA Legal Counsel program, which is an integral part of CARECEN's robust, dynamic legal team.

Primary Duties

• Screen, counsel, and represent immigrants in affirmative and defensive cases in accordance with CARECEN’s universal representation model
• Provide legal assistance via consultations, initial evaluations, and referrals, as needed
• Host legal clinics, community education sessions, and Know Your Rights (KYR) seminars
• Support and respond to immigration law questions from the designated ONA Opportunity Center and/or other immigrant service providers, as needed
• Work collaboratively with other members of CARECEN’s legal team to strategize about best practices and service provision for immigrants on Long Island
• Maintain detailed case notes on individual cases and consultation outcomes
• Maintain detailed records and reporting data for grants
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Admitted and in good standing to practice law in New York
• Prior experience in immigration law (relevant law school coursework and clinics may be considered as experience)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills
• Ability to work well with a team and build relationships with community partners
• Fluency in Spanish and English required, fluency in other languages a plus

Compensation: $72,500 to $80,000 annually

Work environment: Ability to work hybrid based on hybrid work agreement based out of CARECEN’s Hempstead or Brentwood office

Supervisor: ONA Supervising Attorney

Benefits

• Health Coverage (100% employer-paid premiums):
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Insurance & Protection (100% employer-paid premiums):
• NYS Disability and Paid Family Leave
• Short-Term Disability / Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Additional Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
• Professional Development: Employer-paid professional development opportunities, selected by staff

Time Off

• Paid Holidays: 28 paid holidays and/or half-days per year
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 21 days per year
• Health/Wellness Days: 5 days per year
• Longevity Bonus: Additional 7 PTO days after 5 years of employment

How to Apply: Email a detailed cover letter explaining why this job would be a great fit for you, a résumé and three (3) references to [email protected] with “Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CARECEN is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity.

Immigrants, women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons from other traditionally marginalized groups are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $72,500.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hempstead, NY 11550