Immigration Counselor

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES•Roanoke, VA

9d•$18 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Immigration Counselor advises and assists clients with immigration law matters, including explaining immigration status and available assistance, preparing applications and supporting documentation, and communicating with immigration offices and outside agencies. The role conducts migrant-focused outreach and advocacy, maintains client files and case records for required reporting, and supports specialized immigration programs and services. The counselor also explains fees and engagement terms, manages payment-plan tracking, consults with a supervisor about caseloads, expenses, and program concerns, and represents the agency professionally and ethically. The position requires cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, oral, and written skills, along with basic Microsoft Office knowledge. Commonwealth Catholic Charities is a nonprofit human-services agency serving vulnerable individuals and families across Virginia. It provides equal employment opportunities and operates a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Employment may be contingent on successful completion of a drug screening and background check. The role is full-time, entry-level, and based at Valley View in Roanoke, Virginia, with a day shift and travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of related experience.
Must be eligible to apply for DOJ Partial Accreditation within six months of hire.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Strong interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, oral, and written skills.

Responsibilities

Advise clients about their immigration status and available assistance.
Prepare immigration applications and obtain required supporting documentation.
Stay current on changes in immigration law and related procedures.
Communicate with appropriate immigration offices and outside agencies.
Conduct migrant-focused outreach and advocacy, including presentations, information sessions, and workshops.
Explain client fees and engagement rules and execute retainer agreements.
Maintain communication with local senators’ and representatives’ offices.
Develop strategies to accommodate special short-term immigration programs.
Maintain appropriate client files.
Record client numbers, case types, and difficulties encountered for required reporting.
Market special immigrant benefits and services as needed.
Consult with a supervisor about caseload balance, expenses, and program concerns.
Direct clients to fee collection and track income and balances for payment plans.
Represent the agency professionally and ethically in the community and workplace.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the people served.