Migration Counselor

Catholic Charities Community Services•New York, NY

5d•$31 - $36•Hybrid

About The Position

The Migration Counselor will join Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) as part of the Haitian Response Initiative. This initiative, launched by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Catholic Charities, and seven community-based organizations, aims to meet the unique needs of recently arrived Haitian migrants facing removal proceedings in New York City. The Migration Counselor will provide immigration services under attorney supervision, including consultations, document preparation, application assistance, affidavit and brief writing, and necessary follow-up services. The role also involves preparing and delivering presentations on various immigration issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent professional training related to the position.
Bilingual: English and Haitian Creole.
Effective communication skills, including written and verbal.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability and experience working with diverse individuals and communities.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
Willingness to travel and to work part-time on location at immigration courts.
Availability and readiness to work some weekend and evening hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience working as an immigration legal administrative assistant or advocate.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues and experience working in a non-profit, court, or community setting.

Responsibilities

Participate in regular screening and self-help workshop events at partner community-based organization sites, the main CCCS office, and remotely, under attorney supervision.
Provide information sessions and Know Your Rights presentations to the community, under attorney supervision.
Pre-screen for eligibility for immigration benefits, under attorney supervision.
Prepare, review, complete, submit, and follow-up on applications and motions in complex immigration matters, including asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, adjustment of status applications, employment authorization applications, and other forms of humanitarian relief and removal defense, under attorney supervision.
Research law and investigate facts to determine possible courses of legal action and prepare cases accordingly.
Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents, completing appropriate forms, and following up via phone, mail, and email.
Prepare and make referrals to other legal service providers for cases identified through individual consultations and follow up with referral partners to track case acceptance status.
Provide referrals for wraparound services from coalition partners.
Create and maintain physical and electronic files, including managing correspondence with clients and documenting correspondence with immigration and other agencies.
Manage data entry in internal (LLX) and external data management systems and assist with generating reports.
Maintain and report statistical data as required.
Assist with the training of new staff.