DOJ Accredited Application Specialist in Trai

Institute For Latino Progress•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The DOJ Accredited Application Specialist in Training supports the Citizenship and Immigration Services program under the supervision of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Director and the lead DOJ Accredited Specialist. The role assists with processing citizenship applications, collecting and organizing supporting documentation, conducting client follow-up appointments, completing initial N-400 applications at workshops, and providing related administrative support. During training, the specialist schedules appointments, manages calendars, uses database software and paper filing systems, and interacts with clients in person and online in the office and at workshops. The role helps ensure legal guidelines and departmental policies are followed, filing is timely, customer service is strong, and weekly and monthly program reports are prepared. Application processing takes place in the office and at weekend workshops. The specialist helps clients with USCIS citizenship-related applications under the guidance of an accredited specialist, attorney, or lead DOJ specialist; learns USCIS and legal program guidelines; maintains case data and files; and assists with workshop activities. The position also includes training, collaboration with staff and clients, responding to inquiries, participating in civic activities and program meetings, and other citizenship-program duties assigned by a supervisor. Most work takes place in an office and at community venues such as churches and schools. The role requires availability for extended and nontraditional hours, including weekends, and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings. Physical demands include sitting or standing for extended periods, speaking during group presentations, operating standard office equipment, communicating and exchanging information, preparing work documents, and maintaining files.

Requirements

Some college credits or foreign equivalent; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
Obtain DOJ accreditation.
At least one year of previous experience in a citizenship, legal, or nonprofit setting.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work with a wide variety of people.
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
Above-average customer-service approach.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Dependable and punctual.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the Internet.
Ability to use Zoom, Teams, Facebook Live, and other video chat applications.
Ability to use electronic form-filling software such as USCIS online or Law Logix.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods, speak during group presentations, operate standard office equipment, communicate and exchange information, prepare work documents, and set up and maintain work files.
Availability for extended and nontraditional hours, including weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with completing USCIS applications, including N-400, I-90, N-600, I-30, DACA, and AR-11 applications, under the guidance and supervision of an accredited specialist, attorney, or lead DOJ specialist.
Provide one-on-one information and assistance to lawful permanent residents completing applications.
Learn and apply USCIS and legal program guidelines to help determine whether lawful permanent residents are eligible to file applications with IDPL.
Maintain case information in internal databases and external funder reporting files, and file corresponding paper documents in individual case files.
Assist with citizenship workshops, including setup, stations, N-400 processing, and fee waivers.
Follow legal guidelines and best practices throughout citizenship application processing.
Participate in civic activities, program meetings, and training as requested, including training on immigration policies and regulations.
Work collaboratively with IDPL staff, clients, and supervisors, and maintain professional courtesy with participants, colleagues, team members, and the public.
Return client inquiries and phone messages in a timely manner.
Participate in further professional development as indicated in employee evaluations.
Perform other citizenship-program duties assigned by the supervisor.
Work weekends and weeknights as needed or requested for project-based activities.