Farmworker Rights Attorney

*ABOUT VIDAS* VIDAS was founded by a physician’s assistant working in a migrant farmworker clinic who left his practice to attend law school and advocate for equal access to justice for immigrants in our community.
Today, we continue his legacy and vision of creating a more just, equitable, and safe north bay for all – a world with “no second class.
” VIDAS provides a full range of legal advocacy, including removal defense, asylum, DACA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U and T visas, family-based petitions, waivers, adjustment of status, and naturalization.
We have offices in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Vallejo, and on the Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College campuses.
Our staff is reflective of our clients, with people of all ages from all over the world working closely as a team to deliver competent and compassionate trauma-informed legal representation at no or low cost.
*POSITION DESCRIPTION* We are excited to be included in a program providing free legal services to immigrants who may be eligible for relief under the recently enacted Deferred Action for Workers in Labor Disputes program.
This is one of the first positive federal policies for immigrants in many years and we are eager to implement it to the benefit of undocumented farmworkers in the north bay.
VIDAS seeks a bilingual (Spanish-English, intermediate fluency considered) Attorney to advocate for farmworkers who may be eligible for immigration relief under the Deferred Action for Workers in Labor Disputes program.
A substantial part of this role includes outreach and education, so the willingness to be offsite and engage directly with community is essential.
The Farmworker Rights Attorney will report to the Executive Director and will be expected to: * Become knowledgeable about the Deferred Action for Workers in Labor Disputes program, eligibility requirements, and best practices; * Maintain close communication and collaboration with relevant labor agencies, labor rights organizations, and other providers throughout California; * Screen clients for eligibility and assess the best course of action in consideration with other forms of immigration relief and any risks; * Provide direct representation to eligible farmworkers, including filing applications for relief; * Engage in client-centered, thoughtful, communicative advocacy, including responding to clients quickly and being engaged and available throughout the process; * Attend mandatory program trainings; * Develop and present training/guidance materials and comprehensive educational campaigns across multiple platforms about the deferred action program, eligibility requirements, and processes; * Provide hands-on mentorship to VIDAS paralegal staff, equipping them to work effectively in screening clients, preparing applications, and informing the community; * Assist in oversight of progress on objectives and deliverables for grant reporting, and tracking data and outcomes; * Facilitate cross-referrals with social services, mental health and medical providers, where appropriate; * Support Executive Director with project management tasks, including reporting, and funder and media relations.
*PREFERRED SKILLS* * Member of the California (or possibly other state) bar; * At least 1 to 3 years of experience practicing immigration law and/or labor law * Life experience within the farmworker community * A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Ability to work independently and collaboratively across organizational and community settings * Keen ability to genuinely listen, synthesize information, and articulate information clearly and effectively * Genuine passion for advocacy * Ability to speak, comprehend, read and write in Spanish; * California driver’s license and vehicle for travel *Salary* Salary range is $80,000 to $90,000.
Benefits include full medical coverage (Kaiser Gold), 13 paid holidays, generous paid time off and sick leave allowances, career development and coalition building opportunities.
*To Apply* * Applications, including a cover letter and resume should be emailed to our Executive Director, Monica Julian, at mjulian@vidaslegal.
org * Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified.
* VIDAS is an EOE committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in both its staff and work.
* This position is a two year term with potential to extend pending funding or with potential for lateral transfer to other areas of immigration advocacy Job Type: Full-time Pay: $80,000.
00 - $90,000.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Health insurance * Paid time off * Professional development assistance * Retirement plan Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Ability to Relocate: * Santa Rosa, CA 95401: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Rosa, CA 95401