CIS Legal Service Counselor I

Chinese American Service League•Chicago, IL

10d•$40,000 - $42,000•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join CASL, where our mission is to support immigrant and refugee families as they navigate the path to citizenship, stability, and opportunity. As part of our Citizenship & Immigration Services team, you will play a vital role in helping community members access accurate immigration information, complete essential applications, and connect to trusted resources that empower them to build secure and successful futures. Your Mission: To support immigrant and refugee community members in navigating the citizenship and immigration process by providing accurate information, high-quality application assistance, and culturally responsive client support in alignment with CASLâs mission. About CASL: Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. To hear about: CASL's history, watch here CASL's future, watch here Make a Difference, and Get the Support You Deserve Salary Range: $40,000 â $42,000/year | Full Benefits Package Included We value your expertise and commitment, and we invest in both. From competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to a culture that puts people first, youâll be supported while doing work that matters. This role is based in Chinatown, Chicago, with a standard MondayâFriday schedule.

Requirements

Associate degree with at least 4 years of working experience, or
High School diploma or GED equivalent is required with at least 5 years of related working experience.
Strong interest in working with clients of all ages, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity
Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred, Mandarin and/or Toishanese a plus), Spanish a plus
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, with the ability to adjust to changing client needs and program requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and find creative solutions to client challenges and service delivery obstacles.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), data entry and web navigation
Basic end-user level understanding and experience with Salesforce is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Community outreach or workshop facilitation experience
Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or limited-English proficient population

Responsibilities

Provide clients with accurate information about USCIS application procedures, ensuring compliance with legal standards without providing legal interpretation.
Assist clients in completing immigration forms based on their provided information, avoiding legal advice on form responses.
Collect and verify supporting documents for client applications, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Monitor and follow up on clients' application statuses, providing timely updates and assistance as needed.
Refer clients to appropriate programs, both within and outside the agency, for specialized support.
Direct clients to the agencyâs DOJ-accredited representatives for legal services when necessary.
Offer interpretation services for clients in their correspondence with USCIS and other relevant agencies.
Escort clients to government offices for citizenship and immigration processes, including fingerprinting, oath ceremonies, and interviews, ensuring support throughout these procedures.
Schedule clients for CIS services and maintain an updated work schedule to ensure effective time management.
Enter and update client demographic information, services provided, and application processes in CASLâs Salesforce database, generating reports for program performance evaluation.
Maintain organized and comprehensive client files, ensuring all necessary documentation is up-to-date and securely stored.
Assist in conducting outreach activities by developing and updating informational flyers and distributing them to targeted areas.
Support workshops by handling various tasks and recruiting and training volunteers to assist with outreach efforts.
Attend at least 8 hours of job-related training as required annually for professional development and to stay current with immigration laws and best practices.
Contribute to additional responsibilities as needed to support the Adult Service departmentâs initiatives and overall organizational goals, ensuring flexibility and alignment with CASLâs evolving needs.