ProBAR – UC Specialist
Req #455
During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities. We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.
The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world. The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.
ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal education, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley border region with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR’s office is located in Harlingen, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://ambar.org/probar
Job Summary
Accountable for providing child-friendly legal orientation and legal screenings to detained unaccompanied children regarding immigration removal proceedings and access to representation. Also responsible for additional follow-up legal services as required. Ensures accurate and timely documentation of services delivered and information collected.
Principal Job Responsibilities
- Provides child-friendly and age-appropriate legal orientation to detained children in a classroom climate where the presenter is to be positive, organized, outgoing, confident, and compassionate in order to inform children regarding immigration removal proceedings and access to representation. Responsible for conducting age-appropriate legal screenings to assist with referral to pro bono counsel and obtain consent from unaccompanied children for required referrals.
- Conducts trauma-informed, child-friendly, age, and language appropriate individual legal screenings at detention facility for unaccompanied children.
- Conducts sponsor intake for children too young to receive regular Know Your Rights screening. Provide follow-up interviews as needed.
- Prepares children aging out for transfer to ICE Custody, by delivering “age-out talks” to unaccompanied children nearing their 18th birthday.
- Participates and engage in regular training regarding provision of child-friendly service delivery, including services tailored to special needs populations, pregnant/parenting, tender-age, non-Spanish speaking, and LGBTQIA youth. Share relevant unaccompanied children migration or detention trends and challenges in services delivery, including via mandatory attendance at ProBAR monthly round tables.
- Stays apprised of current legal framework relevant to orientation and interviewing related to child respondents in immigration removal proceedings, including Texas mandatory reporting statute, as well as current events affecting child migration from Central America and any other region commonly affecting detention facilities in South Texas.
- Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, criminal justice, education, early childhood education, ESL, teaching certification or related field, or four years’ directly related work experience in place of a degree.
- Able to problem solve issues during stressful situations.
- Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms with the ability to apply the correct language in the appropriate setting.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
- Must be able to pick up on client visual and verbal cues when interacting with clients and colleagues.
- Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
- Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
- Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
- This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal regulation, background check will be required for this position.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
- Possession of a master’s degree in social work, criminal justice, education, early Childhood Education, ESL, teaching certification or related field, or equivalent number of hours of course work and work related experience in a related field.
- Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including Mayan language- speaking populations.
- Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
- Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.
Physical Requirements
Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities. Able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Travel Required
As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.
Benefits Offered
· Medical and prescription insurance · Dental insurance · Vision insurance
· Flexible Spending Account (FSA) · Short & Long term disability insurance · Prepaid Legal Plan
· Voluntary life insurance · Employee Assistance Program (EAP) · 401(k)
· Paid company holidays · Personal time off · Vacation time off
· PSLF Participant
In addition to competitive pay and employment benefits, ProBAR takes pride in taking care of its employees. There are abundant development opportunities including onsite, offsite, and online training and workshops. ProBAR has also created its own initiatives like paid time off for self-care, staff-led wellness programs, and counseling. Working for the ABA connects you to an extensive network of dedicated professionals, and ProBAR’s work at the border gives a unique perspective on immigration law.
Hear from our amazing team and learn why they believe that ProBAR offers ‘work that matters, a team that inspires!’ https://youtu.be/Mpkef1F8JTI
Location
ProBAR is located in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy. Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away. The region’s delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!
COVID-19 Response:
ProBAR leadership has responded proactively to support the health
and wellbeing of our staff and the individuals we serve. We are currently
providing the majority of our legal services remotely while telecommuting.
During this period of remote work, we continue to accept applications and
interview for open positions. Timelines for hiring may be a bit more extended
than usual so that we can ensure everyone’s safety as new staff members
transition and join the team, but we encourage interested candidates to apply
and begin the process today.
The Application Process:
Visit the job posting and submit an online application including
your cover letter and resume.
Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 956-365-3775 or contact [email protected].
Other details
-
Pay Type
Salary -
Travel Required
Yes -
Travel %
15 -
Required Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Apply Now
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