Staff Attorney

Embark on a transformative journey with St John's Community Health (SJCH) as we seek a dedicated and socially conscious Staff Attorney to join our trailblazing Legal Services Program. This role is not just a job; it's an opportunity to be a champion for justice, advocating for transgender and undocumented victims of violence. As a vital member of our team, you will be at the forefront of providing legal support, with a primary focus on obtaining restraining orders, pro se assistance in family law matters, representation in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJs) cases, filing pro se immigration petitions (U-Visa/VAWA/T-Visa), filing police reports, and securing victim's compensation benefits. This role is a testament to our commitment to addressing urgent social issues. It is a grant-funded position until December 31, 2024, with the possible potential for renewal. Your impact goes beyond the job, contributing to the broader goal of creating a more just and compassionate world. While continuation beyond the grant period is not guaranteed, SJCH values its team members and encourages them to explore other opportunities within the agency should the need arise.

QUALIFICATIONS:Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.Admission to the California State Bar and be in good standing.Fluency in Spanish is essential.Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of the vulnerable population served.Minimum of 3 years of legal experience, with a focus on immigration, family law, and/or civil matters.Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to engage with diverse community members and convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.Commitment to public interest law: Passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting social justice.Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.Empathy and compassion for individuals facing legal challenges and a commitment to providing high-quality services.Flexibility to travel to various outreach locations and work occasional evenings or weekends is required.Proficiency in legal research, document preparation, and case management software is necessary.Knowledge of community resources and experience in community outreach is beneficial.Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Restraining Order Assistance:Provide comprehensive legal assistance in obtaining restraining orders for victims of violence.Provide court representation and support throughout the legal process.Pro Se Assistance:Assist clients with family law matters, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to represent themselves effectively.Provide support with immigration matters with USCIS.Provide legal support with housing issues.Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJs):Utilize expertise in SIJs to assist eligible clients in navigating the legal system and obtaining the necessary immigration status.Police Report Assistance:Assist victims of crimes in filing police reports, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.Victim's Compensation Benefits:Guide clients through the process of obtaining victim's compensation benefits, advocating for their rights and ensuring access to necessary resources.Collaboration and Support:Work closely with support staff to streamline administrative processes and enhance overall client support.Prepare reporting measures for funders on a regular schedule.Outreach and Advocacy:Conduct local area travel for outreach purposes, connecting with the community and ensuring that individuals are aware of available legal services.Provide Legal Services education to SJCH clinic staff and program staff.Support in other areas:Given capacity limits, also provide legal services to patients of St John’s not qualified for grant services.