Overview
Contract Specialist Jobs in Cleveland, OH at U.S. Coast Guard
About the Organization
The International Institute of Wisconsin is a nonprofit refugee resettlement and legal services organization committed to advancing immigrant rights and providing high-quality legal representation to underserved immigrant communities. Our legal department focuses on humanitarian and family-based immigration relief, including asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Special Immigrant Visas, DACA, and family petitions.
Position Summary
The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal services to low-income individuals and families seeking humanitarian and family-based immigration relief. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for handling a diverse caseload, including asylum applications, family petitions, adjustment of status, and related matters. The role includes community outreach, education, and occasional supervision of interns or pro bono volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
Provide full-scope legal representation to clients in immigration matters, with a focus on:
Adjustment of Status
Defensive and affirmative asylum applications
Family-based immigration petitions (I-130, I-485, consular processing)
Humanitarian relief (SIV, TPS, parole)
Naturalization and DACA renewal applications
Prepare and file immigration forms and supporting documentation with USCIS, EOIR, and other agencies.
Conduct client intake, interviews, and legal screenings to assess immigration relief eligibility.
Represent clients before USCIS and in immigration court (if applicable).
Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in the case management system.
Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in immigration law and policy.
Participate in community education workshops, legal clinics, and outreach events.
Supervise and mentor law clerks, volunteers, or accredited representatives, as appropriate.
Collaborate with partner organizations and community groups to support client needs.
Qualifications
Required:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with a state bar
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, and public interest law
At least 1–3 years of experience in immigration law (can include internships or clinical experience)
Experience preparing and filing USCIS applications, including affirmative and defensive asylum
Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with attention to detail
Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish or another relevant language is strongly preferred
Preferred:
Experience representing clients in removal proceedings
Experience working with trauma survivors and forcibly displaced persons
Familiarity with case management systems
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range for Staff Attorney: $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience
Generous paid time off and holidays
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Professional development and training opportunities
Supportive and mission-driven work environment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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Title: Contract Specialist
Company: U.S. Coast Guard
Location: Cleveland, OH
