Immigration Specialist

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago • Chicago, IL

134d

About The Position

The Immigration Specialist provides confidential immigration legal assistance and representation focused on family reunification, naturalization, and humanitarian relief, while ensuring compliance with DOJ accreditation standards, maintaining accurate records, and engaging in community outreach and education.

Requirements

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree
• Preferred: Master's degree
• Minimum: 1-2 years of experience as a Paralegal or in the social services field
• Preferred: 4-6 years of experience as a Paralegal or in the social services field

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: 40 hour domestic violence certificate

Responsibilities

• Renders highly confidential direct Immigration legal counseling assistance to clients concerning Immigration matters with emphasis on Family Reunification, Naturalization, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U Visas, involving analysis and evaluation of data based on current U.S. Immigration and Naturalization laws as related to their cases.
• Gathers information about individual cases to determine eligibility, advises clients on securing necessary documents to complete the required Immigration forms.
• Refers complex cases to primary pro-bono or low bono Immigration Attorneys as appropriate approval from the program Director and after writing authorization of release of information from client.
• Prepares the necessary immigration forms required by the US Immigration laws and regulations for clients eligible to receive the Immigration benefit and provides guidance regarding process involved.
• Observes the professional conduct rules and procedures for practitioners under the National Accreditation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
• Accompanies and represents clients before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Chicago District Office, Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Consulates and Embassies abroad.
• Responsible for taking fingerprints.
• Participates in the planning of confidential administrative and organizational matters at the request of the program Director.
• Gathers appropriate data regarding Immigration laws, regulations, and court decisions.
• Responsible for monitoring and procurement of ongoing technical data and research analysis on significant developments of Citizenship and Immigration laws.
• Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Notarizes documents when needed.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate client's files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures.
• Generates reports as required for funder and program compliance as needed.
• Participates in community outreach and education related to Immigration laws and benefits available to immigrants.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees